Fallen officers honored as part of Peace Officer Memorial Day in Jacksonville
It's meant to honor law enforcement officers who have died or have become disabled in the line of duty.
The ceremony took place in front of Jacksonville's Public Safety Remembrance Garden which commemorates officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice to the city.
'You don't forget them. You know, it's this profession has its risks, obviously, but their family, their families are our family,' Onlsow County Sheriff Chris Thomas said. 'And we will never forget them.'
Over the years, eight law enforcement officers in the county have fallen in the line of duty, including: Deputy Steve Black, Deputy Jerry Barber, Deputy Steve Bohem, Officer Terry Lanier, Officer Mark Laskowski, Special Agent Brent McKee, Captain Jerry Scantling and Detective William Whitehead.
'It's just a constant reminder and a way for them to live on and for us to show our reverence and our gratitude for what they do for us,' Deputy Chief of the Jacksonville Police Department Ashley Weaver said.
Weaver worked with Laskowski up until he died in 2022. His family members joined her in laying a brick at the memorial in his memory.
'While it is a solemn occasion, it's not meant to be about the sorrow,' Weaver said. 'It's meant to be about a celebration of their life and their service and what they did for their community.'
Laskowski and other officers were honored with a 21-gun salute, Taps, Amazing Grace and a radio call along with a wreath at the fountain.
'We're fortunate in Onslow County. The support our county has for us is deep,' Sheriff Thomas said. 'They are very supportive of us and military as well. So, that makes it better in my profession to know that we have that support.'
Jacksonville Mayor Sammy Phillips also issued a proclamation marking May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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