Statement from Commissioner of Public Works Jerrel Kruschke
12/15/22
Following Tuesday’s fatal collision, we at the Department of Public Works continue to mourn the loss of one of our own.
Denise Durrah was a 64-year-old member of the DPW family who began her career with us in April of 2018. She held multiple positions that make up the core services our city relies on every day. First working as a Parking Enforcement Officer, Denise later served as a city Laborer in our Sanitation Services division, until she transferred to our Street Maintenance division in April of 2022. In Street Maintenance she was assigned to a pothole filling crew.
During her time with DPW, Denise was highly regarded among co-workers and supervisors as a gracious and hardworking person. In 2019, she was recognized for a heroic action, rescuing a mother and baby. And in her free time, she was known to be active as a Minister at Greater New Birth Church.
Denise was the sole operator of a DPW truck that collided with several other vehicles in the northbound lanes of Mayfair Road at Wisconsin Ave. The crash resulted in the deaths of three people including Denise. Denise possessed a valid driver’s license and the circumstances leading up to the incident continue to be investigated by law enforcement.
Again, we at DPW send our deepest sympathy to the family and friends who lost love ones from this tragic event.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.