Latest news with #RollCallofHeroes
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
‘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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
Families honor fallen officers at 37th Annual Polk County Peace Officers' Memorial Service
The Brief The 37th Annual Polk County Officers' Memorial Service was held Thursday at Lakeland Veterans Memorial Park on Lime Street. It's where officers who died in the line of duty are remembered forever, along with their sacrifice. Thirty-seven fallen officers were honored during the "Roll Call of Heroes." LAKELAND, Fla. - It's at the Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial where officers who died in the line of duty are remembered forever, along with their sacrifice. May 1 was the 37th Annual Polk County Peace Officers' Memorial Service at Lakeland Veterans Memorial Park on Lime Street. Local perspective Chuck Goddard, his brother, Chris, and sister, Rebekah, make it a point to return every year to the memorial service. Chuck and his twin brother were just 10 years old and his sister, three, when their father, David Goddard, who was a deputy with the Polk County Sheriff's Office, was killed in a car crash while on call back in 1989. READ: Florida lawmakers scrap statewide plan for later school start times "He was a very dedicated deputy," said Chuck. "He brought us into that family and shared a lot of that with us. Shared shift parties with us; the whole crew. It was just a big family in the police force." To keep his memory alive, Chuck started a non-profit in his name to provide a scholarship for those pursuing a career in law enforcement or to support other families of fallen heroes. "That's my attempt at doing the best and most that I can to remember him," he said. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube Big picture view Thirty-seven fallen officers were honored during the "Roll Call of Heroes." Family members or representatives placed a rose on each permanent marker. No new names of fallen heroes were added this year. There was also a Joint Agency Officer Processional March, Presentation of Colors by a Joint Agency Color Guard, a helicopter Fly Over, Retreat of the Fallen Rider by the PCSO Mounted Unit, bagpipe players, 3 Gun Volley and Taps. "They put themselves in harms' way to make sure we have a safe community and that should be cherished and remembered," said Chuck. Families brought together by tragedy now find comfort knowing their loved ones have found eternal peace. The Source The information in this story was gathered during the 37th Annual Polk County Officers' Memorial Service. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
