MILWAUKEE — One year ago, on June 7, 2018, the Milwaukee Police Department lost 23-year-old officer Charles Irvine Jr. in the line of duty.
Irvine Jr. was killed in a car accident while pursuing a suspect.
His mother, Christy Irvine-Bachmann, released a heartfelt “thank you” to the entire community.
Here is her full statement:
“On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to MPD , MFD, and the community as a whole for all the love and support we have received over this past year.
Although we have kept fairly private, for the most part, it is not due to lack of gratitude.
I have personally read every card and letter received, many of which showed the sincerest of words and support towards our family.
[I’ve] Cried over beautiful drawings received from multiple children, some from across the country, expressing gratitude for what my son represented.
[I] Cherish portraits, ornaments, charms, books and many other uniquely wonderful items given in memory of Chuckie .
[I’ve] Felt both humbled and honored through individuals marathons, bike rides and workouts in his memory.
The help received in getting family members both across and all over the country to the funeral service, making it possible for them to say their final farewell.
As an entire year has passed since losing Chuckie , I am reminded just how special he was, and how much of a positive impact he left on so many people in his short 23 years.
Not a day goes by that I don’t think of my son. But when I do, I try to focus on the wonderful memories my family has of him and not the time that was cut short.
It has been a very trying and hard year having to live with the loss of Chuckie . Even though being an officer is a dangerous job, never in a million years did I imagine losing him.
Just to put into perspective, the last time the department lost an officer, he was 1.5-years-old.
Within this past year, they have lost three remarkable, irreplaceable men.
The one bright spot throughout all of this is the amount of love and support shown to my family, the police department, and the rest of the first responder community.
It is just a shame that it often takes a tragedy to bring people together.
Words will never be enough to express how much my family appreciates the outpour of love and support. Thank you.”
