CRESTVIEW — The community began a weeklong observance of National Police Week with a memorial ceremony Thursday evening in advance of May 15’s Peace Officer’s Memorial Day, which starts the week.
The Crestview Police Department hosted the ceremony, which included representatives of the Crestview Fire Department, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Okaloosa County Airports Police, the Crestview Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Explorers.
“It’s an opportunity to remember those officers who have fallen in the line of duty,” police chaplain the Rev. Mark Broadhead said. “It’s a tremendous privilege for us to remember those who have fallen but also to remember those who continue to put on the uniform every day and put their lives on the line.”
While more than 60 residents and law enforcement officers filled the audience, it was a row of nine unoccupied chairs on the stage that was the ceremony’s focus. Each bore a lighted candle and a portrait of an Okaloosa County peace officer who fell in the line of duty, starting with Sheriff J.M. Summerlin who died in 1921 and continuing through Deputy Bill Myers’ death last year.
Musical performances included a rendition of the national anthem by Crestview Police Officer Chaise Rawles. The Sugar Beach Sweet Adelines chorus sang “This is My Country” and an arrangement of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Police Chief Tony Taylor asked residents “to contemplate the sacrifices of the law enforcement officers who have paid the ultimate price; and the dedication and commitment of those surviving officers who continue to serve.
“I ask you to seek protection for your protectors by prioritizing these brave men and women in your hearts, minds and prayers. We proudly prioritize each and every one of you in our hearts and prayers daily.”
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MAYORAL PROCLAMATION
Crestview Mayor David Cadle presented a proclamation at the May 12 Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
“I, David Cadle, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Crestview, Florida, call upon all citizens of our city and upon all patriotic, civic and educational organizations to observe the week of May 15 – 21, 2016, as Law Enforcement Week with appropriate ceremonies in which all of our people may join in commemorating police officers, past and present, who by their faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities have rendered for themselves an enviable and enduring reputation for preserving the right and security of all citizens.
“I further call upon all citizens of Crestview, Florida, to observe May 15, 2016, as Police Officers Memorial Day to honor those peace officers who, through their courageous deeds, have lost their lives or have become disabled in the performance of duty.”
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Law Enforcement Memorial kicks off National Police Week observance