by David Chapman
Staff Writer
A slightly overcast sky matched the mood of many of those who attended the annual Police Memorial Day event on Wednesday, as public safety and City officials stood side-by-side again to honor the 60 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty and their families.
“Law enforcement is a noble profession,” said Sheriff John Rutherford. “Not because it’s just about service, but because it’s about service with self sacrifice.”
Public safety members sacrifice family time and prior engagements in the commitment, noted Rutherford, and sometimes they ultimately sacrifice their lives in the line of duty. Many of the fallen officers’ family members attended the event, sitting under a canopied tent before the stage.
In the past year, one officer has been added to the commemorative wall inside the Police Memorial Building. Officer Christopher Kane died in a traffic accident last September on the Southside.
Rutherford made a pledge to rid the community of its criminal element before he introduced Mayor John Peyton, a person he called a “true partner in the fight against crime.”
“It’s a day to express gratitude,” said Peyton. “My administration takes public safety very seriously and has made it the No. 1 priority.”
Peyton then read a proclamation for Police Memorial Day and corresponding week of the same nature.
A final roll call by Officer Phil Clark of all 60 officers with a subsequent “absent” announcement by various officers, a 21-gun salute, helicopter flyover and bagpipe rendition of “Amazing Grace” all followed, as well as the annual retirement of a commemorative wreath by Rutherford and Fraternal Order of Police President Nelson Cuba.
In his closing remarks, Undersheriff Frank Mackesy gave a different perspective to the crowd on the meaning of the day.
“We’re not here because of how they (police officers) died,” said Mackesy. “We’re here because of how they lived.”
356-2466