JACKSON Tenn (May 15, 2015) – When an officer pins on a badge for the first time they know any day could be the day they are going to give the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect and serve. That is what Director Mark Gwyn, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, told the crowd in attendance at Friday’s Law Enforcement Memorial Service.
In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
Jackson Police Chief Julian Wiser welcomed the crowd to the 2015 Law Enforcement Memorial, Madison County Sheriff John Mehr introduced the guest speaker, TBI Director Mark Gwyn.
Gwyn said it is unfortunate that we have to have a week to honor fallen officers but the true reality is that is the profession we have. Gwyn said officers know the risk but the men and women of law enforcement got in the business to protect and serve because that is what the wan to do, protect and serve.
It is a time for the community to rally around law enforcement, something as simple as a kind word or a thank you, said Gwyn. You know when you dial 911 that someone is going to respond. Every time you call that number you know someone is going to come help you and this is a week set aside to honor those officer who paid with their lives.
Sheriff John Mehr said he tells officers when the are faced with a potential life or death situation to go the extra measure, think things through, use everything you’ve got to try to diffuse the situation. Mehr said officers will use their personalities, conversation, anything to talk that person down so they can get them help, so that person will have a future too.
Deputy Chief Barry Michael presided over “Lest We Forget”. Captain Tyreece Miller placed the memorial wreath, and DC Michael read the names of 17 fallen officers. Family members placed roses in the memorial wreath in memory of loved ones.
@keithsherley
