Heroism defined: Law enforcement officers remember their fallen brethren
By Ethan Smith
Published in News on May 10, 2017 2:11 PM
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Ronald Carrasquillo and Thomas Bailey present the colors during the annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service at Wayne Community College Wednesday.
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Police Chief Mike West speaks at the annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service at Wayne Community College Wednesday.
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Law enforcement from several local departments watch as a wreath is laid at the law enforcement memorial at Wayne Community College Wednesday.
The count of fallen officers in Wayne County rose by one for the first time in more than a decade when Goldsboro Police Department Maj. Jay Memmelaar died unexpectedly this year.
And as Police Chief Mike West delivered comments at the annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service to honor fallen officers, that fact was at the forefront of many people's minds.
"Those of us who wear the badge realize we're living in dangerous times," West said. "We understand the risks. We understand that gives even more meaning to this ceremony."
The ceremony is held each year in honor of the 11 local officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty since the inception of law enforcement offices in Wayne County. It is also to honor fallen officers nationwide.
According to remarks made by speakers at the service, 145 officers across the nation died in the line of duty last year, and 44 have so far died in the line of duty this year.
Three of the 145 officers who died in 2016 were from North Carolina.
"Though we may grieve, we must emphatically reject despair," said Wayne County Sheriff Larry Pierce. "Unlike most careers, the brave men and women who embark upon a life of law enforcement know fully that they may one day be called upon to lay down their lives in the call of duty."
May 15 of each year is Peace Officer Memorial Day, per a declaration issued by former President John F. Kennedy.
Members of the N.C. State Highway Patrol, Pikeville Police Department, Fremont Police Department, Wayne County Sheriff's Office and Goldsboro Police Department have all lost their lives in the line of duty.
Officers from those agencies died in 1816, 1900, 1937, 1940, 1960, 1968, 1988, 2002 and this year.
To commemorate their legacy, several prayers were said and a rifle salute capped off the ceremony.
"They have served and sacrificed for a purpose far greater than themselves," Pierce said. "I can think of no truer definition of a hero."