Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Time has healed the heart but the memory of friendship is still anew. Might we all endeavor to be appreciative of family and friends on this side of living. Miss you brother.

MPD Class of 4-92

Sgt. Victor Jackson
Department of Veteran Affairs Police Services

September 7, 2022

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 7, 2020

Reflecting on times spent enjoying life. Odell was a solid friend, squad partner and overall officer, still missed after 23 years. Some wounds never heal, you learn to adjust.
Blessings to those on this thread.

Victor Jackson
Veteran Affairs Police Department (FL)

December 10, 2019

One more year that you're gone... but you are never forgotten.

Captain Heather Wurth
Milwaukee Police Department

September 7, 2019

Wendolyn Tanner had so much to offer and his loss is still felt even to this day and always will be.

P.O. Stephen Pinchard
Milwaukee Police Department 2017

November 5, 2017

Wendolyn Tanner was a good street cop and a good man. To my mind, there is no higher compliment. He is missed to this day, and will be for a long time to come. Rest in peace brother.

Sergeant Dennis Baisley
Milwaukee Police

May 16, 2017

Thinking about you today. Many thanks for your service to our country.

John Haseltine - Civilian

September 7, 2016

Today, Monday May 16th, 2016 the Milwaukee Police Department's Investigations and Intelligence Bureau dedicated our police work to the memory of Wendolyn Tanner. His name was read at all roll calls so that we never forget his dedication to MPD.

Capt. S. Caballero
MPD

May 17, 2016

Shamiah, your dad was an amazing man. He lit up every room he entered and his passion for a city was outstanding. He wanted to leave a legacy, and YOU are that legacy.
O'dell. You are always missed, and last night I saw your face on the news again. I remember it like it was yesterday. Calling district 7 because of the fear of an officer down. Only to find out it was you. You have never been forgotten and I wish so many knew you, especially your daughter. God bless.

Terri Busalacchi
Friend

May 12, 2016

Another year, Every year I question this day. I always wish I could've been right there at that exact moment to save your life. I would've been your hero and everything would be okay... But things didn't end up that way and I guess it's all for a reason. I'm not exactly sure what that reason is yet but all I know is that you would be so proud of me. I have done my best to accomplish everything that comes to sight. I'm strong and I'm going to achieve all my dreams. I will grow to be the young woman that you would've wanted to raise and love unconditionally. As I grow I realize that things are the way they are and though I wish I could change them. I can't .... I'm placed here to make my marks and I will follow in your foot steps. All the laughs and love that you've spread I plan to keep the positivity and happiness. My major is nursing and I chose this field because I always wish I could've been that nurse to help save your life. I couldn't be there for you that day but I hope to help save others in memory of you. "Every single day every time I pray I'll be missing you" 9•7•96

Shamiah Tanner
Daughter

September 8, 2015

Dell I was just reflecting back when you first met and screened me! LOL! When you came by blowing that loud police horn to get me out of the house really made me feel like family! On the day God called you you came by with that dagg gone horn with the officer you probably were training only God knew that would be the last time I'd hear it! Now I'm about to lose the place I've been accepted as family you were one of my first reflections! You are still greatly missed. R.I.P.Dell! Tony F.

Tony F.
The one you've always put to work on your first proudly purchased home

May 21, 2014

Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten.

Retired Wisconsin L.E.O.

December 8, 2013

Thinking of you and your loved ones and close friends today. Continue to watch over all of them. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

September 7, 2013

To the family of "Odell" our thoughts and prayers are still and will always be with you. We have known the family from the old neighborhood for many years (Since Odell was in elementary school). He was always a dedicated boy and had a great smile. Odell was best friends with my son on duty and otherwise; they both are police officers. I clearly remember the night my son called me from the hospital to tell me of the tragedy. Odell lived a short life, but filled it with service to his country while in the military and afterward on the Milwaukee Police Department. Rest in peace Odell, we love you.

"Champ" and Joyce Brown
Close friend

November 19, 2012

Dad, I Miss you so much. Days are so hard without you here, nothings the same. Days seem long and sometimes sad. I think of you all the time, wondering what you must have been like. People tell me you were amazing and the stories i here are great too. I just wish there was a time that i would have met you, got to know you, and share alot of moments with you. I wish i could have had just one father daughter dance at least one! But time can not be turned around and i can not bring you back. That would be my only wish is but to bring you back to me in my life. Im lost without you dad. Nothings the same without you! I love you! Love, Shamiah ( Your only child)

Shamiah Tanner
Daughter

September 12, 2012

Rest in love my dear uncle Dell.

Lekesha Ward

September 7, 2012

RIP Officer Tanner,
From all the reflections I've read, I can see that you were an outstanding man and a hero to say the least! I pray that you are now resting with the angels and our good Lord has you in His hands! God bless you.

Linda Merrick
Florida
Citizen

September 7, 2012

Wendolyn Odell Tanner, You were a beautiful person. My best friend Ronald P. Piojda knew you from Milwaukee Tech High School, Ron is now a sergeant at Oak Creek Police Dept. Ron always spoke highly of you. I was new officer out of the academy in 1995 assigned to the seventh district when you surprised me by calling me by my name and welcoming me to the district. Thank you for that...It meant the world to me that you recognized me as a fellow Officer. Early in my tour at district seven the tragedy of your death had a profound effect on me. I spent four years at district seven late shift. Since district seven I have been fortunate to become a member of the mounted patrol unit. In your honor I would like to name my beautiful 1800lbs. Percheron Police Horse "tanner". Before this happens I would like to have the approval of your family and the Office of the Chief.

Police Officer John Pederson
Milwaukee Police Department

August 7, 2012

I enjoyed the great privilege of working with officer Tanner at District Seven. My most favorable memory begins with myself and my partner Jeff Kranz working a plain clothes assignment. When new officers field trained they got to spend one day plain clothes with us on the third shift this was on Squad 247. Officer Tanner worked with us one night. We conducted an investigation, made a really good arrest and had to process the arrest through the District Attorneys Office. Officer Tanner told me that this was the assignment he wanted to work to attain, to be on this squad he said would be a real goal of his. He eventually worked hard and was assigned to Squad 247 on the second shift. My prayers are always with and for his family. I always honor his service, his commitment and his dedication to the City of Milwaukee, the Police Department and to his family by keeping his photo in my Department hat.

Captain Jerome O'Leary
Milwaukee Police Department

July 24, 2012

I met officer Tanner while working as Security Director for a Private Detective agency. His conduct, and appearence reflected only professionalism, especially when dealing with an offender. He is greatly missed.........

Director/ Commander A.J. Terry
Master's Touch Protective Agency

June 25, 2012

Thank you for your service Odell, You were a Hero, well liked and one of a kind. RIP Sir

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

April 18, 2012

I can recall getting into a pursuit with Odell close to the end of our shift. Neither one of us wanted the O.T.on this particular day, but this guy's driving was too erratic so we hit the lights and he takes off. After a brief car chase, the driver bails on foot and we decide that it might be in our best interest to let the dispatcher know about our escapades. I tackle the guy only to find out he was one of our old high-school classmates. This guy took out city property, endangered pedestrians, and even fought with us briefly before realizing we all went to high school together. By the time we made it to the station, Odell had this guy laughing so hard, he forgot all about the slew of charges facing him. It was one of the most pleasant, felony arrest I ever made and reflective of Odell's ability to make a volatile situation, calm. I think he asked for Odell's telephone number afterwards so they could hook up after his legal woes were over. Classic. May the Lord's comforting Grace sustain family and friends.

Victor Jackson
former officer with MPD (class 04-92)

September 12, 2011

Years may pass, but your dedication to, and sacrifice for, the community you served will never be forgotten. Thank you.

Deputy
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

September 11, 2009

I had the honor and privilege of serving as Wendolyn's shift commander at the time of his death. Through his death, Wendolyn truly taught us the meaning of "police family." None of us who worked with him will ever forget him. Truly a special man.

Inspector (retired)
Milwaukee Police Department

May 28, 2009

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

June 8, 2008