PORT ANGELES — A crowd of about 100 gathered at Veterans Memorial Park to remember law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The National Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony Friday recognized the 20,789 local, state and federal law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty.
It was dedicated to Deputy Wally Davis of the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office and officer Kristine Fairbanks of the U.S. Forest Service.
Killed in line of duty
Davis was shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance call Aug. 5, 2000.
Fairbanks was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious vehicle on a Forest Service road Sept. 20, 2008.
“It is difficult to find words that can fully express our debt to these wonderful human beings,” Clallam County Sheriff Bill Benedict said.
“In addition to being exemplary police officers, they were also mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, sons and daughters, friends, co-workers and essential members of our community.”
The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office has hosted a National Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony in Port Angeles in each of the past six years.
The event featured a color guard, a bell-ringing ceremony and a 21-gun salute by the Marine Corps League.
The American Legion Riders presented a wall of flags and bagpiper Thomas McCurdy played “Amazing Grace.”
Clallam County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Ed Evans gave the benediction.
Sacred memory
“On this day of sacred memory, we have come to pay special tribute to those law enforcement officers across our land who have given their lives so that we may live in safety and peace,” Evans said.
“And we honor those who continue to awake each morning and don their badges and put their lives at risk for the rest of us.
“Some of those heroes have paid the ultimate price. We come here today to honor them not because of how they died, but because of how they lived.”
Clallam County Commissioner Mike Chapman read a board-signed proclamation recognizing May 15 — today — as National Peace Officers Memorial Day.
President John F. Kennedy in 1962 signed into law Peace Officers Memorial Day to recognize the sacrifices of law enforcement officers and those who have fallen in the line of duty.
The week on which May 15 falls is considered National Police Week.
“In addition to showing honor and respect to our fallen peace officers, I would like to also express my gratitude to the wonderful community that we serve,” Benedict said.
“Speaking on behalf of all law enforcement on the Peninsula — state, local and federal — we appreciate the full support and assistance we get from you.
“You make us proud to serve and protect you.”
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
