Latest news with #LawEnforcementMemorialCeremony
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
Fallen VB officers honored in memorial ceremony
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — The city of Virginia Beach held its annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony, honoring officers who have died in the line of duty — including two recently fallen officers whose loss is still being felt deeply across the community. Complete Coverage: Fallen VBPD Officers Reese and Girvin . Their names were recognized during the ceremony, as families laid roses on the memorial wreath to commemorate their service and sacrifice. 'I brought Cameron with me today,' said Barbara Girvin, the mother of Cameron Girvin. 'He's in my bracelet. And I brought him with me so he could be part of this.' Barbara Girvin also reflected on a recent gathering with her son's former colleagues. 'We got together yesterday with his fellow officers for breakfast,' she said. 'We had a seat at the end of the table that was empty. And we knew Cameron was there in spirit.' Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate spoke about the ongoing impact the officers' deaths have had on the department and the broader community. 'To see the heartbreak on the faces of the mothers and the fathers, knowing that they entrusted their sons to this police department and to this city — and unfortunately, we didn't live up to it,' Neudigate said. 'Time does make it a little bit better. But when you see them, it's all fresh and raw again.' According to Neudigate, the department is working to address these challenges by expanding support services. 'Twenty-five years ago, we would never admit that we were having trouble,' he said. 'That just wasn't part of our profession.' Virginia Beach Police have since hired a full-time clinician and are adding new mental health resources for officers. 'It's not only needed — it's expected,' Neudigate said. 'And if we don't address it now, we'll be addressing it later.' The ceremony was held at the Virginia Beach Law Enforcement Memorial at the Oceanfront on 35th Street. Community members, city leaders and families of other fallen officers were also in attendance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
ECSO hosts Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony at new Law Enforcement Memorial Plaza
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) — The Escambia County Sheriff's Office held its annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony Thursday to honor fallen heroes. Driver recounts deadly Thomasville truck crash — investigation continues 'It's very meaningful for us. We get to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice,' Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said. Law enforcement, community members and the families of fallen deputies gathered as flowers were laid to recognize those killed in the line of duty. 'It's very important to us,' Simmons said. 'I can only imagine how important it is to the family who has missed their loved one for many, many years. A lot of us will sacrifice our time, but these families have sacrificed much more than that.' It was a heartwarming but emotional time for the granddaughters of Constable Mallory Williams. 'I find it touching that our current officers still want to honor the ones they have lost, and I am grateful for the opportunity to honor my grandfather in the only way we can since we never got to meet him,' Margaret Davis said. But this year's ceremony was extra special. It was held at the Escambia County Sheriff's Office's new Law Enforcement Memorial Plaza. After breaking ground in January, the new plaza has become the focal point of the sheriff's office with a new monument proudly displaying the names of the fallen. 'This is the very first time we've been able to make use of this beautiful facility to pay that honor to those who have paid that ultimate sacrifice,' Simmons said. Bear to be 'humanely killed, if captured' after biting man in Gulf Breeze: FWC The Escambia County Sheriff Foundation funded the new plaza. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Yahoo
Police Departments across Northwest Louisiana unite to honor fallen officers during annual memorial
BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Law enforcement agencies across northwest Louisiana will unite next week to honor officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. 'This memorial service is our way to show our commitment that we will never forget the price these officers paid for their communities,' said Bossier City Police Chief Daniel Haugen. The annual observance reflects a shared vow to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Last year's memorial honored 40 officers and deputies dating back to 1894. Among the most moving moments was when Frances Tompkins, widow of Shreveport Police Patrolman Thomas Glen Tompkins, spoke publicly about her husband's legacy. Officer Tompkins was fatally shot in 1978 while transporting a prisoner. The city says ceremonies like this are a public promise that those who served with courage will not be forgotten. This year's Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, inside the courtroom of the Bossier City Civic Center, located at 620 Benton Road. Law enforcement agencies from Shreveport, Bossier, Caddo Parish, and surrounding jurisdictions will take part. Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler and Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux are expected to deliver a joint proclamation. The ceremony is free and open to the public. Community members, families, and supporters are encouraged to attend. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
