Law Enforcement Memorial Service

May 16, 2013

In 1962 President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that day falls as National Police Week. Police Week pays special recognition to law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

Pierre hosts South Dakota’s memorial service sponsored by the state Fraternal Order of Police. Each year officers from across the state gather to remember their fallen brethren. Yesterday's ceremony began at the state Law Enforcement Monument at Capitol Lake. The ceremony included prayer, laying a wreath at the foot of the monument and a 21-gun salute. The gathering continued at Madison Avenue Church of Christ.

A roll call of heroes is read each year during the service. Officers or family members come forward to lay a single blue carnation at the front of the church for each officer announced. This year Rapid City Police Chief Steve Allender addressed the participants. Several students from a local elementary school provided music and two students from Riggs High School played “Taps.” Photos by Bob Grandpre.