The Milwaukee Police Relief Association (MPRA) was created on May 8th, 1889 during a time when no benefits existed for Milwaukee Police Officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Spouses and children of members not only suffered the loss of their loved one, but also suffered a loss of support and income. The founding members of the MPRA organized all active and retired members to contribute to a common fund that would provide funeral cost financial assistance to the families of deceased MPD officers. The original Board of Directors included Chief of Police John T. Janssen as the first President of the Board and future Chief Jacob Laubenheimer as Treasurer.  Today, Wisconsin State Statute 213.11 mandates participation of MPD sworn active law enforcement officers in the MPRA in which minimal monthly dues are deducted from member’s paychecks and a death benefit of $9,000.00 is paid out at the time of death to the member’s stated beneficiary(ies). The MPRA fund has grown significantly since the Associations initial formation with a membership consisting of four thousand members. The MPRA has provided monetary support to hundreds of families who have suffered a loss of a loved one. Today, the MPRA Board consists of both active and retired sworn Milwaukee Police Officers elected by their membership and are held to the highest administrative and fiduciary standards. The MPRA is a non-profit organization that not only receives dues from members, but also accepts donations which are tax deductible. |
