By Renee O’Quinn
The 27th annual National Peace Officer’s Memorial Day ceremony took place Thursday, May 19 in Baxley to honor fallen officers at the Appling County Law Enforcement Center. The ceremony was a joint observance with other area law enforcement agencies including the Baxley Police Department, Appling County Sheriff’s Department, Georgia State Patrol, citizens, leaders, county and city officials. The solemn, yet beautiful ceremony was held for the purpose of paying honor and tribute to fallen ‘peace’ officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, those who chose to protect us all.
LAW OFFICERS PERFORM 21-gun SALUTE DURING CEREMONY.
Honoring fallen officers
Chief James Godfrey opened the ceremonies with greetings and comments and then introduced Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Esco Hall and County Chairman Lewis Parker, who also gave a welcome to all who attended the event. Hall reminded us all of the invaluable service that law enforcement provides and the honor that they deserve. Parker thanked the dedicated law enforcement men and women for the job that they do.
Bobbie Jo Lynn sung a beautiful song selection.
The Rev. Ronnie Rentz read the names of the fallen officers and then prayer was given for their families. There was a quiet stillness as the names were read, as officers could be observed standing by their vehicles with their head’s bowed and lights on their vehicles flashing. (According to Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), about 140-160 officers are killed in the line of duty each year and their families and co-workers are left to cope with the tragic loss.)
The Bulloch County Honor Guard presented an impressive demonstration of the placing of the wreath, including the lowering of the flag, taps and a 21-gun salute followed by a brief moment of silence.
Sheriff Benny DeLoach introduced the guest speaker, Captain William “Luther” Hires. Capt. Hires is retired with 32 years of service from the Jesup Police Department and now works with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. Capt. Hires spoke about how the number of fallen officers is going up every year. Hires reminded everyone of the dangers involved in law enforcement as the public was made aware of those who had perished in the line of duty. He also spoke about how honor should be bestowed upon law enforcement for the job that they do and the sacrifices that they make everyday to keep citizens safe.
Special recognition was given to the chaplains who pray for the officers and always stand in the gap for the officers. The chaplains, Rev. Ronnie Rentz, Rev. Dennis Bryant and Rev. Steve Statum were presented plaques for their service and dedication.
Sandra Nettles also rendered a beautiful song selection.
The Rev. Dennis Bryant gave the closing prayer and blessing of the meal.
Lunch followed in the Sally Port of the Appling County Detention Center.
Bobbie Jo Lynn sung a beautiful song selection.
The Rev. Ronnie Rentz read the names of the fallen officers and then prayer was given for their families. There was a quiet stillness as the names were read, as officers could be observed standing by their vehicles with their head’s bowed and lights on their vehicles flashing. (According to Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), about 140-160 officers are killed in the line of duty each year and their families and co-workers are left to cope with the tragic loss.)
The Bulloch County Honor Guard presented an impressive demonstration of the placing of the wreath, including the lowering of the flag, taps and a 21-gun salute followed by a brief moment of silence.
Sheriff Benny DeLoach introduced the guest speaker, Captain William “Luther” Hires. Capt. Hires is retired with 32 years of service from the Jesup Police Department and now works with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. Capt. Hires spoke about how the number of fallen officers is going up every year. Hires reminded everyone of the dangers involved in law enforcement as the public was made aware of those who had perished in the line of duty. He also spoke about how honor should be bestowed upon law enforcement for the job that they do and the sacrifices that they make everyday to keep citizens safe.
Special recognition was given to the chaplains who pray for the officers and always stand in the gap for the officers. The chaplains, Rev. Ronnie Rentz, Rev. Dennis Bryant and Rev. Steve Statum were presented plaques for their service and dedication.
Sandra Nettles also rendered a beautiful song selection.
The Rev. Dennis Bryant gave the closing prayer and blessing of the meal.
Lunch followed in the Sally Port of the Appling County Detention Center.
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