We stand together in our mutual support for the men and women of the Milwaukee Police Department – our dedicated officers who have taken a sworn oath to protect and serve each and every citizen in our community. In that spirit, we are united in our outrage at the shooting of Police Officer Brandon Baranowski at S. 17th St. and W. Morgan Ave. early this past Sunday.

Officer Baranowski of District Six, was ambushed by a subject while sitting in his patrol vehicle during a domestic violence investigation. He was shot several times and his injuries are significant, and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as he begins his recuperation. We pray that he will make a rapid and healthy recovery, and we ask our fellow citizens to join us in wishing Officer Baranowski the same.

It is with heavy hearts that we must also remember the officers killed and wounded in Baton Rouge and Dallas, as well as the deaths of Philando Castile (near St. Paul, MN) and Alton Sterling (Baton Rouge) in tragic police-involved shootings earlier this month. Our prayers extend to those officers, to their loved ones and colleagues, as well as to the families and friends of the two men.

Every day our men and women of the Milwaukee Police Department risk their lives in the line of duty. The next person our officers save could be any one of us—or a loved one or neighbor. For that reason alone, we must come together as a community, as the City of Milwaukee, to support our officers as they strive to make our city a safer place.

This year, we have called for an “all hands” effort to reduce violence and improve public safety in the city, and that same approach is needed here. In these difficult times for police and community relations, together we must never allow harm to come to those we rely on to keep us safe. Our officers are risking their lives so that we can live safely, and we are proud and humbled by their service and sacrifice.

Please join us in supporting a safe Milwaukee for every citizen.