Respect, Honor, Remember: Law Enforcement Memorial Vigil held over the weekend

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — On May 19, the community gathered at Southside Baptist Church. That evening, they were there to reflect, respect, honor and remember the officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

In 2022 alone, 246 officers have lost their lives nationwide, 2,632 over the past ten years. At the candlelight vigil Friday evening, nine officers across the state who made the ultimate sacrifice had a candle lit in their honor, with local leaders, families and fellow law enforcement alongside.

Warner Robins Police Department Captain John Clay was the evening’s host, while Detective Carder Gravett delivered the opening prayer.

“I just pray that You watch over us and keep us safe. I pray, Lord that everyone here would know that life is short, that one day we will meet You, Lord. I pray that all of us know that we have had the opportunity to come to know You, Lord,” Gravett said.

The keynote speaker at the event was Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick, who delivered a passionate speech while representing the city, an honor and a privilege for her to do, as she explained.

She began by paying tribute to Police Week, a series of events the candlelight vigil was a part of. She explained the police department’s recent trip to Washington, D.C., where they attended a candlelight vigil, went to a memorial service, watched a wreath at the National Law Enforcement Memorial and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Moving through, she motioned to a table with each officer’s photo, a candle standing before them. During the vigil, each officer was named, then remembered for their sacrifice and had the candle lit in their honor. A flag folding ceremony, taps, and a harrowing “final call” over dispatch also symbolized the lives lost in the line of duty.

“Each officer you see here represents a pledge — a pledge taken, an oath of office — to impartially discharge the duties of a peace officer to the best of their ability,” Patrick said.

While she did not personally know each family represented at the vigil, she gave them her gratitude as they face adversity.

“Though it saddens us, there is no burden greater than losing a friend, a colleague, a husband, a wife, a child, father, mother, or loved one. One who did so to protect someone other than themselves. These are our heroes, and we — you — are the ones they leave behind,” Patrick said, adding later, “There’s nothing I can say to remove the anguish you feel. But what I can do is give you my gratitude, and the gratitude of the citizens of the great state of Georgia.”

Patrick began to give encouragement to the crowd, reminding them of law enforcement’s overall mission.

“Though we may grieve, we must begin to heal. We must find a way to focus on a positive future, the sweet memories we hold dear. The pictures we look upon all had a life. The mission is what they served; the mission was greater than self: a mission to serve and protect, a mission that cost them their lives,” Patrick said.

Why they served, Patrick mentioned as well, explaining parallels seen growing up in a military family.

“I learned at a very young age that in order to serve your nation, to serve your state, your city, your neighbor, that it takes a certain type of person: a person who is blessed with something extraordinary; a person who can’t sit still if someone is in need,” Patrick said.

Patrick then listed many reasons why someone would serve, callings and motivations that would bring joy to law enforcement.

“Some say, they want to save lives; they want to make our community safer; positively impact someone headed down the wrong path; to work in a family atmosphere; to showcase their bravery; to gain a deep understanding of the law; to resolve conflict and problem solve; and above all else, to protect the innocent,” Patrick said.

Patrick then spoke on the necessity of law enforcement, and said they selflessly answer to a higher calling and are depended on for their safety.

“The heroes here exemplify everything I have described; their selflessness, their desire and their commitment to accomplish the mission resulted in their last breath,” Patrick said.

Finally, Patrick gave more encouragement, asking the public to remember why law enforcement serves, hoping her words inspired a brighter future for those who were left behind.

“You will see their mission is far greater than what ended their lives. Focus on the positive. Focus on the future, and let their pride shine in you,” Patrick said. “Remember their ‘why,’ not the reason they left us. Remember why they chose their profession as a police officer. Remember the love they had for the job, for their colleagues, for their brothers and sisters in the line of duty. Remember the love they had, and have, for you.”

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