DRAFFENVILLE – On Tuesday , more than 250 people gathered at Mike Miller Park, including representatives from nine law enforcement agencies around the region, attending the first annual West Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Week Ceremony.
Police cruisers were parked around the entire perimeter of the parking lot in the park’s lower level near the soccer fields. More than 20 Patriot Guard Riders stood, posted left and right of the stage honoring law enforcement with a ceremonial flag line. Both Air Evac and PHI Air Medical landed aircraft at the event, as well.
The ceremony began by the Paducah honor guard performing the posting of colors set to the tones of bagpipes played by Bear Whitworth. More than 30 officers stood at attention as Jennifer Knight sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem with Pathway Baptist Pastor and Emergency Responder Chaplain Mike Donald offering the event’s invocation.
County Attorney Jeff Edwards presented a proclamation from the Marshall County Fiscal Court and signed by Judge Executive Chyrill Miller acknowledging May 10 – 16 as Police Week in the county. The document indicates that there are approximately 50 officers in the county, responsible for patrolling more than 900 miles of roadway, with more than 15,000 annual calls for service.
Forty-year police veteran and former Department of Criminal Justice Training Center Instructor of the year Walt Tangel served as guest speaker for the event and Assistant County Attorney Jason Darnall served as Master of Ceremonies.
Tangel took the stage speaking of the many dangers members of law enforcement face today and of the current climate in which officers must perform their duties. He spoke of the high expectations placed on officers and of the many roles they are expected to play in society – from peacekeeper to crime preventer. He said with an increased focus and growing negativity toward law enforcement today, with criticisms being offered from most every angle, Tangel told the audience it is important to remember that like everyone else, ‘they are only human.’
Retired from DOCJT in April after 40 years of service, Tangel was honored with a flag from Congressman Ed Whitfield’s Office, presented by Boy Scout troop 484 who performed the flag folding before presenting it to him.
With lights activated on patrol cars all around the staging area, the names of the 127 fallen officers from 2014 were read by Senator Danny Carroll and Marshall County Sheriff Kevin Byars.
A balloon was released in honor of each of the fallen, as well as for the 20 K-9 officers lost in the line of duty whose names were read by Paducah K-9 officer Lofton Rowley along with a prayer entitled ‘Guardians of the Night.’
As the last name was read and the balloon released into the sky, the American Legion Post 236 offered a 21 gun salute followed by the playing of Taps.
As the Paducah Honor Guard retired the colors, Whitworth followed behind in parade march ending the ceremony with Amazing Grace.
Organizers wish to thank everyone who helped make the event possible including sponsors: Texas Roadhouse, Southern Reds, Save A Lot, Don Thomas, Jeff Edwards, Mark Blankenship, Jacob Ford, Holley Office Products, McDonalds, Rogue Graphics, Cracker Barrell, Dollar General, Food Giant, King Brothers and to all who made desserts for the event.
*Special thanks to all of the agencies who participated and to the elected officials from Mayfield who attended.
In a letter to the Editor today, Marshall County Sheriff Kevin Byars said the following:
“May 10, 2015, to May 16, 2015, was Police Officer’s Memorial Week. This is a very special, somber and difficult week for me. Fifteen years ago on April 23, 2000, I lost a very special person, Jason Wayne Cammack, Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement Officer, academy roommate, friend and brother. He gave his life serving others.
“On May 12, 2015, several wives of Law Enforcement Officers in Marshall County came together and planned a Memorial Ceremony for the Jackson Purchase Region Law Enforcement Officers to Honor the 127 fallen Officers of 2014. It was a huge success and a large turnout of Officers as well as the public was in attendance. I would like to thank those wives for their dedication and efforts to Honor those who serve our communities and those that paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep their communities safe.
“The climate of our Nation toward Law Enforcement is on shaky ground right now and yes there are some issues with some Law Enforcement Officers across this Nation, but as a whole, we do care about our communities and our public. I am proud of Marshall County, because it is a community that our Law Enforcement Officers are a part of the community and the community is part of our Law Enforcement Officers.
“Again, Thank You, to the wives and Thank You to the citizens of Marshall County during this special week.”
Sincerely,
R. Kevin Byars
Marshall County Sheriff
