PORT ANGELES — The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office will host its sixth annual National Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony and barbecue Friday.
The public is invited to the bell-ringing ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Veterans Memorial Park, 217 S. Lincoln St., Port Angeles.
The American Legion Riders will present flags, the Marine Corps League will give a 21-gun salute and play taps and Thomas McCurdy will play bagpipes during the event.
The ceremony will honor Clallam County Sheriff’s Deputy Wally Davis, who was killed in the line of duty on Aug. 5, 2000, and National Forest Service Officer Kristine Fairbanks, who was killed in the line of duty on Sept. 20, 2008.
Davis’ daughter, Jessie Davis, will sing at the memorial.
Fairbanks’ daughter, Port Angeles police officer Whitney Fairbanks, also will attend the ceremony, the sheriff’s office said.
At noon Friday, the sheriff’s office will host its annual law enforcement barbecue for all Olympic Peninsula law enforcement personnel and volunteers.
The barbecue will be on the lawn next to the Clallam County jail, 223 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles.
Hawaiian music will be provided by Naki’I Music.
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a law designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the preceding week as police week.
In that spirit, Clallam County Sheriff Bill Benedict and his staff invite the public to enjoy good food, music and camaraderie in honor of those who have given their lives in the line of duty and those still serving.
The event provides an opportunity for law enforcement personnel and volunteers to meet others that share a common brotherhood, the sheriff’s office said.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
