Sojourner Family Peace Center urges board to include Officer Sebena on memorial
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Soujourner Family Peace Center is urging the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Board to include slain Wauwatosa Officer Jennifer Sebena's name on their national memorial.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Board initially ruled Officer Sebena would not be included because she was a victim of domestic abuse. Now, the board will reconsider including Officer Sebena's name on their national memorial during a meeting Wednesday, April 3rd in Washington, D.C.
“Not including Officer Sebena’s name on the memorial diminishes the seriousness of domestic violence crimes,” said Carmen Pitre, Sojourner Family Peace Center executive director. “Sebena lost her life while serving and protecting the community. It’s wrong to deprive her the memorial listing and hurtful to family members, friends and coworkers seeking to preserve her honorable memory. We urge the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to reverse their previous decision and include Officer Sebena on their memorial.”
Sebena was shot and killed on Christmas Eve while on duty. Her husband was charged with first-degree intentional homicide in her death. Sebena’s name was initially left off the memorial because her death is considered a domestic-violence-related homicide.
Gov. Scott Walker, Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen and thousands of Wisconsin residents have all urged the board to reconsider that decision.
"I think domestic violence -- we're used to the issue being sort of pushed off. For Sojourner, we felt compelled to say something about it, because it was so outrageous or unbelievable when the decision came out that they wouldn't include her because she was the victim of a domestic violence crime. We're hoping and urging and joining all the other voices in the state -- asking them to reverse that decision. What we really want to do is say to survivors: You matter. You're important, and your life matters no matter what profession you're in," Pitre said.
The Sojourner Family Peace Center has advocates available for those involved in a situation marked by domestic abuse. Those seeking help are urged to call 414-933-2772.
Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Professional Police Association has launched a website to honor Officer Sebena. CLICK HERE to access that site.