Candlelight vigil in honor of fallen peace officers

kriner@sunmulti.com

Georgia police officers and military serviceman who were

killed in the line of duty this year were honored at a candlelight vigil

service held at Robins Air Force Base Thursday evening.

Law enforcement agencies and other military personnel

attended the ceremony that paid homage to the 34 heroes who made the ultimate

sacrifice.

While no officers in Houston County were killed this year,

they had a strong presence at this year’s memorial service to honor their

brothers and sisters who were killed across the state.

Bibb County Sheriff David Davis was the guest speaker of the service.

Davis said, “Not only today should those who gave their

lives be remembered, but always.”

Davis noted that National Police Week is a great way to

celebrate those who serve our communities on a daily basis. He said, “Honoring

those that lost their lives while doing their job erases the jurisdictional

lines … everyone grieves the loss of an officer.”

One by one, the fallen officers’ names were read and their service pictures

displayed on the front screens while a candle was lit in honor of their lives.

The service concluded with the playing of “Taps,” a 21-gun

salute, the folding of the American flag and the playing of

bagpipes.

Thursday’s memorial service was part of Police Week, which is observed around

the country as a time to remember law enforcement officers killed in the line

of duty. President Kennedy established May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day by

a proclamation in 1962.

Candles are lit and carried through the RAFB Chapel in honor

of National Police Week. The American Flag is folded as part of the ceremony

held in honor of fallen police officers and military servicemen.

HHJ News