Law enforcement and the public are lighting candles to remember officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. MPB's Ashley Norwood reports.
This year three names are being added to the Statewide Fallen Officers Memorial Wall in downtown Jackson. Chief Bobby Spencer of Shannon Police Department was killed in 1997. Deputy William Durr of Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and Deputy James Clark of Quitman County Sheriff's Office were killed in 2017. There are already more than 200 names on the memorial.
Diana Brooks says she and her family have been coming since 2011.
"My husband is on that wall. This is so special to us because it keeps him alive for us and makes us know he's remembered. He will always be remembered," said Diana Brooks.
Keith Tartt says his brother was killed two years ago. He says he appreciates those who are continuing to serve.
"When you look around all you see is these officer who put their lives on the line every day. I know first hand what that means to the families. That's why I am here, to honor those who are here and to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice," said Tartt.
The Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police and The Attorney General's Office hosted the event. Attorney General Jim Hood says this is an opportunity to celebrate the lives and legacies of fallen officers.
"The fact is, there's a lot more good people in this world than there are bad and we in law enforcement have to deal with a lot of the bad. It's good to see a lot of those who support law enforcement officers here and thank God we've got people who actually run to gunfire instead of away from it," said Hood.
Governor Phil Bryant declared yesterday Peace Officers Memorial Day. Ashley Norwood, MPB News.
