The bell at Veterans Memorial Park in Port Angeles was rung solemnly 21 times Tuesday to honor those officers who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
Dozens of law-enforcement officers attended the 21-Salute Bell Ringing Ceremony after a barbecue for Clallam County law enforcement and dispatchers — current and retired — and their families at the Clallam County Courthouse.
“In 2011, there were 166 law enforcement line-of-duty deaths in the United States. This is an increase in one from last year,” said Clallam County Sheriff Bill Benedict.
“On this day of memory, let our thoughts and prayers be with the families, friends and loved ones of those who gave their all in the line of duty,” Benedict said.
His remarks were followed by a flag-folding ceremony, the playing of taps and a 21-gun salute provided by the Marine Corps League.
The American Legion Riders provided an honor guard and flags for the ceremony.
Two fallen Clallam County law enforcement officers were especially recognized during the ceremony: Wally Davis and Kristine Fairbanks
“They were killed working on behalf of this community,” said Port Angeles Police Chief Terry Gallagher.
“We should remember that.”
After Tuesday’s ceremony, a wreath was laid at Davis’ grave at Ocean View Cemetery in Port Angeles.
Clallam County Sheriff’s Deputy Davis was shot to death Aug. 5, 2000, at the age of 48 while responding alone to a domestic disturbance call in northeast Port Angeles.
Thomas Martin Roberts, who shot Davis, was convicted of aggravated first-degree murder.
U.S. Forest Service Officer Fairbanks, a 51-year-old wife and mother from Forks, was shot and killed in the hills above Sequim by Shawn Roe on Sept. 20, 2008.
Roe — who also killed Sequim retiree Richard Ziegler, 59, and stole his truck — was gunned down that night by Clallam County sheriff’s deputies outside a Blyn convenience store.
In Washington state, two law enforcement officers were killed in 2011.
Deputy Shandon Wright, 29, of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, died March 3 while recovering from surgery related to an on-duty injury.
Correctional Officer Jayme Lee Biendl, 34, was strangled in the Monroe Correctional Facility’s chapel by an inmate Jan. 29.
This year, State Patrol Trooper Tony Radulescu, 44, was fatally shot during a traffic stop near Port Orchard on Feb. 23.
Joshua Blake killed himself shortly after shooting Radulescu, authorities said.
Law enforcement officers are safer today than they were in the 1940s or ’50s, Gallagher said.
“The bad guys are better-armed, but we’re better-trained,” he said.
Gallagher said that providing multiple backup officers on calls makes a major difference in the safety of the officers.
That explains why as many as four officers may respond to a minor incident.
He added that new technology also makes a difference.
Officers can call for assistance from more places, and supervisors know where their officers are and what they are doing at all times.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
