National Police Week 2015

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– LEGAL NEWS PHOTOS BY DIANA L. COLEMAN

 

Honoring Courage, Saluting Sacrifice: Area fallen officers remembered

By Diana L. Coleman
Legal News

The 2015 Muskegon County Police Officers Memorial Service was held May 14 at Heritage Landing to remember those law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.  A crowd of fellow officers, fallen officers’ family members, and those who served with or knew and respected the deceased were present.

The eleven law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in Muskegon County were Marion J. Calkins, William F. Delmar, Scott A. Flahive, Charles D. Hammond, Johnny O. Harris, Josiah C. Hazeltine, Ernest E. Heikkila, Julius A. Salmonson, Martin Salmonson, Craig A. Scott and Charles B. Stark.

Jeffrey Lewis, Public Safety Director for the City of Muskegon, welcomed everyone to this year’s ceremonies. Muskegon County Detective Brian Harris served as host of the 2015 program.  Harris is also the Vice President of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 99.

Muskegon County Prosecutor D. J. Hilson was the guest speaker and spoke of the sacrifice of the fallen officers and the risks law enforcement officers face every day in their service to the residents of their communities.  It was his sincere hope that another name is never added to the list of local officers killed performing their duties.

Detective Harris read the roll call of officers as an officer from the representative law enforcement agency and any family members present placed a rose at the base of the picture of the fallen officer. Officers killed in the line of duty were from the Michigan State Police, Muskegon County Sheriff’s Department, City of Muskegon, City of Muskegon Heights, City of Grand Haven, North Muskegon, and Michigan State Conservation Officers.

Richard Erne, the Reeths-Puffer Middle School Band Director, played Taps. Captain Don E. Bedwell, the  Marquette County Sheriff Department Chaplain, gave a closing blessing, and the program concluded with the Muskegon Regional Police Pipes and Drums playing Amazing Grace.
 

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