West Allis police detective dies after giving birth to twins

WEST ALLIS (WITI) -- Officials with the West Allis Police Department say Detective Stacie Napoli died suddenly on Monday, February 17th, due to complications from child-birth -- she delivered twins who are doing well.

Napoli, 39, was a detective in the Sensitive Crimes Unit -- and a 17-year veteran of the West Allis Police Department. On Tuesday, the police department and community are now trying to deal with the tragedy.

"When you start with somebody you just expect to retire with them," said Lt. Jessica Johnson.

Even since March 1997, Lt. Johnson has worked side-by-side with Det. Napoli.

"Her career meant so much to her. Stacie was, she was my go to person. Whenever I had to think through something strategically, Stacie was the one that I went to," said Johnson.

During that time Napoli would get married -- and this year, she was pregnant with twins.

"We were all so very excited. We wanted to share that joy and we did the share the joy. So when she went into labor early at 27 weeks we knew that there was a risk," said Johnson.

On Monday, Napoli delivered the twins early.

"The children are Ellie and Parker. Ellie was born at 2 pounds 4 ounces and Parker was born at 1 pound 15 ounces," said Johnson.

Soon after they were born, Napoli passed away.

On Tuesday, West Allis Mayor Dan Devine had the city's flags lowered to half-staff in Napoli's honor.

"Heartbreaking seems like an understatement. Tragedy seems like an understatement," said Devine.

Napoli was also a veteran who served in Iraq, earning the Bronze Star.

Funeral arrangements for Napoli have not been finalized. In the meantime, a fund has been established to assist the twins' father and the twins during this time. CLICK HERE if you would like to donate.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.