16-05-2025
‘We need to honor that sacrifice': The 2025 Peace Officer's Memorial Service
COLUMBUS, Ga. () — Law enforcement officers, families, and community members came together at the Bibb Mill Event Center to honor the ultimate sacrifice made by fallen officers.
The annual Peace Officers' Memorial Service, hosted by the Fraternal Order of Police, recognized fallen officers from across Georgia and Alabama.
This year's Roll Call of Heroes included names stretching back to the 1800s, each read aloud and honored in solemn silence.
There were 43 names called. Each name that echoed through the room served as a reminder of the lives lost.
The service included a proclamation from Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson. As well as representative speakers from the Columbus Police Department, Muscogee County Sheriff's Office, Muscogee County Prison, and Rutledge State Prison.
'We need to honor that sacrifice both on the part of the officer as well as their families.' said Sgt. Kelly Phillips, the Fraternal Order of Police, Vice President. 'I would hope the public would look at an event like this and realize there are still individuals out there who want to serve, who want to help… and that we're human too.'
The Fraternal Order of Police says the memorial is also a reminder to the public that behind every badge is a person, and behind every name is a family.
The Peace Officers' Memorial Service is held each year in May, aligning with National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15th. The Fraternal Order of Police says it hopes to see even greater turnout next year as the community continues to honor its heroes.
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