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Fallen police officers to be honored next week
Published Thursday, May 7, 2009
Safety is something many in Troy may take for granted at times. But, to families of fallen police officers, it’s not easy to forget the price.
That’s why Troy Police Spokesman Sgt. Benny Scarbrough said it’s important city residents take time to recognize officers throughout next week, which is National Police Memorial Week.
Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford signed a proclamation at city hall earlier this week, declaring Police Memorial Week will begin Monday, May 13 and end Saturday, May 16. In addition, Wednesday, May 13 will be set aside as Police Memorial Day to recognize all locally affiliated officers who have lost their lives in service to the community.
“This is a time we can still honor those officers and remember them, and at the same time we can come together with their families in remembering those officers,” Scarbrough said.
The annual ceremony will be in front of the Troy Police Station on Elm Street at 10 a.m. Lunsford will welcome those in attendance and Police Chief Anthony Everage will read the “Roll Call of Honor” to recognize officers killed in the line of duty.
Five officers alone have died from the TPD through the years. They are: Will Jackson, 1905; Hayden Youngblood, 1962; Cecil Sullivan, 1967; Billy Dease, 1968; Steve Watkins, 1981.
But, Scarbrough said the service will recognize officers who have served Pike County, as well.
Those are: Alabama Conservation Officer Grady Russell Jackson; Alabama State Trooper R.W. “Bob” Jones; Greenville Police Officer Gary Wayne Heath, a Troy University graduate; Montgomery Police Officer Willie Pryor, a Troy graduate; Former Troy University Police Officer Michael Brandon Lassiter, of the Covington County Sheriff’s Department; and Former Troy Police Chief John Lee, who died in Montevallo.
After the ceremony in front of the station, the service will continue to Bicentennial Park in Troy.
But, this week and the service is not just to honor those officers who have died.
“The service and the week are also a time to honor the service of those working for us every day,” Scarbrough said. “It’s a time we take out to honor them.”
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Posted by acaringsoul (anonymous) on May 7, 2009 at 10:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why not the office for Henry county, or I think it was Henry County. That just passed away a few weeks ago in the line of duty. He was from around here.
Posted by uglydog65 (anonymous) on May 8, 2009 at 5:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why not Officer Ray Alcuri, former Brundidge Police officer, who was killed with another officer in the line of duty while on the Ozark Police force?
My heart and prayers go out to the families of all officers that gave their lives in the line of duty.
Posted by monk_jonas (anonymous) on May 9, 2009 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks uglydog65. I remember the day Steve Watkins was killed. It was the first thing I was told when I went on duty that evening....I attended the funeral of Ray Alcuri and the other officer killed with him. A few year ago, I had a friend killed while enroute to an emergency call, and last, but not least, I've had a family member killed in the 'line of duty'. I've hesitated to post, because I don't have sufficient words to honor these officers, and the others killed while protecting us. But these are some of my memories. My thoughts and prayers also go out to all the families who have lost someone 'in the line of duty'.
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on May 9, 2009 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Seems like those that will speak will be speaking as a brother and from the heart.
It is easily forgotten the challenge...the sacrifices...and professionalism that goes into serving the community as a police officer.
A policeman's day may consist of helping someone locked out of their car....stopping a drunk driver...or being confronted with someone holding a gun where a snap judgment must be made for the safety of all concerned.
The family members and loved ones of those that have "fallen" also need to be remembered. Saying "good bye" from a spouse at home when one goes out the door and on duty must be a scary feeling not knowing if indeed that spouse will be back through the door a few hours later.
I was very pleased to see that this week will be devoted to our fine officers in Troy that have "fallen"...and those that have "fallen" in nearby towns and perhaps too give us the opportunity and reminder to thank those officers that serve us today.
God bless our past officers...our present officers and their families.
Posted by WDM (anonymous) on May 9, 2009 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I like Monk don't know the right words to say how I feel,but bama thank you for your words,no one could have said it better.Your right everytime I see or talk to my son the last thing I say is be careful and I love you.
God bless each and everyone in law enforcement and thank you for what you do for us.
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on May 9, 2009 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My pleasure WDM <s>
I have tremendous respect for police and firemen.
Posted by uglydog65 (anonymous) on May 9, 2009 at 8:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Personal - There is someone else I want to mention, a radio operator that worked for the Brundidge Police Dept. He could never passed a physical to be an officer, as a matter of fact he could hardly walk. I believe he had polio(?). He was liked by all, especially the girls. He died in an auto accident years ago. Keith miss you.
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on May 9, 2009 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The pain lasts a long time uglydog. Losing friends and loved ones is never forgotten and always painful. We just learn to live with it.
My heart and prayers to all.
Posted by alonecitygal (anonymous) on May 10, 2009 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There are many that do not support Law Enforcement, and realize the dangers they may encounter on a daily basis, but there are those of us out here that do appreciate, and support Law Enforcement. Just a simple thank you to all Law Enforcement, active. retired, or fallen. I think this week of Memorial is wonderful, and that more recognition should be given. I personally have many family members that are in law enforcement across the United States, and my prayers don't end with just them, but those here locally that serve and protect us! GOD BLESS!
Posted by mythoughts (anonymous) on May 11, 2009 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have often said there are professions that take very special people to occupy them and no doubt our police officers and firemen are amonst the top of them... for the families that have lost a loved one my thoughts and prayers are with you... and for those serving currently my hat is off to you as well as my thoughts and prayers .. I know times are hard and with crime on the rise with the way the economy is these days that makes your job even harder... it has never ceased to amaze me how our officers are able to carry out the tasks they perform the way they do.. these officers see many things that most of us never will or never would want to... I know their jobs are at times very hard and heart breaking as well its my hope that at the rewards can out weigh the sacrifices they make for our safety...God Bless...
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