BENTON – In 1962, President John Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week.
Each year, law enforcement agencies around the nation pause to remember the fallen and honor those who still serve. Last year, 126 officers died in the line of duty, with ambushes being the leading circumstance of officer fatalities in firearms-related deaths. Of the 50 firearms-related fatalities in 2014, fifteen officers were shot and killed in ambush.
Law Enforcement Memorial Week offers each of us an opportunity to honor the men and women who put their lives on the line each day, doing the dangerous and often thankless work of keeping our communities safe.
In an effort to honor the sacrifices of the 126 officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and to acknowledge and support the hundreds of other active-duty officers throughout the region, the West Kentucky Law enforcement Memorial Ceremony will be held on Tuesday May 12, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Marshall County’s Mike Miller Park.
Former Department of Criminal Justice Training Instructor of the Year Walt Tangel, a 40-year police and military veteran, will serve as guest speaker for the event.
“Walt spent many years working for Jefferson County Police, was Chief of Police in Gallatin, Tenn. and also worked for the IACP (International Association of Chiefs of Police),” notes Marshall County Major David Maddox.
“Walt recently retired from DOCJT and has both taught and developed courses for newly elected Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, taught and coordinated the Police Executive Command Course and Current Leadership Issues for mid-level management; as well as assisting with the Academy of Police Supervision and Criminal Justice Executive Development program.”
Tangel is also a retired Army Captain where he was the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal w/V Device, Purple Heart Medal and Presidential Unit Citation.
In addition, the ceremony is set to include the Paducah Honor Guard, Patriot Guard Riders Flag Line, Air Medical Aircraft from Air Evac and PHI, singing of the National Anthem, bagpipes performance, lights and siren display and balloon release. A picnic-style meal will be provided beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Community members across west Kentucky are invited and encouraged to attend this event as we seek to honor law enforcement agencies from around the region.
Law enforcement agencies are invited to attend and encouraged to bring patrol cruisers to be included in the regional lights and siren display.
If your law enforcement agency would like to participate, please contact Major David Maddox at the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office at 270-527-3112.
If you would like to make a contribution or become a food sponsor, please call event coordinator Misti Drew at 270-703-2706.