MAPLE GROVE, Minn. — Hundreds of law enforcement officers, community members, friends and family of a Minneapolis police officer killed in the line of duty gathered to honor him on Tuesday in Maple Grove.
Pastor Mike Emmert started the memorial service by welcoming everyone, with special attention to Mitchell's family. After a prayer thanking the Lord for the life of Officer Mitchell, Pslam 23 was read by Denise "Aunt DeeDee" Raper, Mitchell's aunt.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey spoke next and remembered Michell rescuing an elderly couple from a house fire on his third day with the MPD. He spoke about the officer's kindness and how interactions with him had a positive influence on the community. "Demonstrating unmatched bravery and service, he was the epitome of a public servant and a police officer, and we were so lucky to have him," Frey said. "We will never forget the sacrifice you made. You lived a hero, you died a hero, and you will be remembered as a hero in our city forever."
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara stepped up to the speaker's podium after the mayor and said "Officer Mitchell represented all that is good about the MPD and around this state and around the country... Jamal was the epitome of a guardian." He noted Mitchell's commitment to the job and touted it as an example for the entire department.
O'Hara announced Mitchell had been awarded two of the highest honors for Minneapolis officers, posthumously: A Medal of Honor and a Purple Heart.
"You never know if that goodbye from home will be your last... but we do know there's been far too many of these memorial services lately," O'Hara said. "...'To protect with courage, to serve with compassion,' Jamal was the epitome of being courageous and compassionate in this profession."
"There are not words to explain the emotions that exist when you find out that fallen officer was somebody who you consider a brother," said Michell's friend, Officer Luke Weatherspoon as he spoke about the Jamal Mitchell he knew and loved. He shared a story from a time at a pool when Mitchell jumped into the water, wearing a pair of prized Nikes, to save a boy struggling to swim.
"When it came to Jamal and someone else needed help, everything else went out the window," Weatherspoon said.
The final speaker on Tuesday was Chris Dunker, Mitchell's neighbor and friend. He reflected on Michell's nickname for him, "Dunk," and how Mitchell's children adopted the name as well. He reflected on Mitchell coming to him and asking him to be a reference when he applied to the Minneapolis police force.
"One of the questions on the referral questionnaire read, 'Describe the applicant's character and reputation.' I remember thinking to myself, 'How do you describe a man like Jamal without sounding insincere?' He was always happy, with that Colgate smile, he had tons of energy, the first to say hello to someone new, incredible father and just genuinely the type of person you wanted to be around."
Pastor Emmert spoke again at the end of the memorial, following a music performance of "Good to Me," by Chris Mason and Mark Alan Schoolmeesters. Emmert reflected on Mitchell's relationship with God and how he spent his final days with his family. "Lean in. Love each other, affirm each other, forgive each other on a daily basis. let's not wait until someone passes to tell each other how much we love them, to affirm them in their lives for the wonderful things that they've done."
After closing the service with a prayer, an honor guard removed the flags from the stage and the audience was dismissed ahead of a police procession to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Officer Jamal Mitchell, 36, was fatally shot on Blaisdell Avenue on May 30 while he attempted to save others wounded by gunshots. Three other people have succumbed to injuries from that day including the suspect, while three others — another MPD officer, a firefighter and a civilian — were also shot and seriously wounded on that day.
The longtime partner of fallen Minneapolis Police Officer Jamal Mitchell said the family is "completely devastated," and that his four children were his "greatest joys in life."
"Our family is completely devastated by our recent loss. Jamal was our whole world," Tori Myslajek said in a statement. "His greatest joys in life were his children: Koen, 20, Jalen, 9, Kaden, 7 and little Macen, 4. Jamal and I created a beautiful life in Minnesota, and he was deeply passionate about helping and serving the community of Minneapolis. On behalf of our family and from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank our friends, neighbors, loved ones and the entire community for their continued support.”
Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis, Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) and the Minneapolis Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA) are collecting donations through the LELS Benevolent Fund, where all proceeds will go directly to Officer Mitchell's family.
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