Peace Officers Memorial Day remembers fallen officers

Every May 15, flags are to be flown at half-staff across all government units to memorialize fallen officers. It is the same week law enforcement officers gather around the nation to remember those killed or disabled in the line of duty.

Peace Officers Memorial Day was signed into law by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, and the week in which May 15 falls is National Police Week. During the week, the American people and police officers pay tribute to the federal, state and local officers who lost their lives to safeguard the community.

This year’s May 15, there was a ceremony at the Monroe County Courthouse to memorialize six fallen officers. The most recent case was the October 2008 death of Deputy Sarah Jones. She was struck by a Jeep while directing traffic on State Road 45, the two-lane road south of Bloomington.

“It’s very moving to remember (fallen comrades) and all of us together,” said Capt. Jerry Minger of IU Police Department. “It’s even more moving when you actually die trying to help other people to solve their problems.”   

Minger said there is always a chance for something like this to happen. It’s the nature of the job and it can happen anywhere.

The May 15 ceremony included guest speaker Sheriff Jim Kennedy, taps played by the Bloomington High School North band and the flag lowered to half-staff by a police honor guard.

“It’s a memorial day. A remembrance day for fallen officers in the Monroe County,” said Lt. Jimmy Ratcliff of the Bloomington Police Department.

“It’s a good time to reflect on those who sacrifice their lives for our freedom,” said Joe Hall, a trooper at the Indiana State Police Department.