The tradition of National Police Week began in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day.

The day grew into a series of events planned in Washington D.C. as well as communities all over the world.

In Troy, law enforcement officers gathered on Wednesday to honor the men represented by five names inscribed on memorial stones outside the Troy Police Department and in Bicentennial Park – Officer Will G. Jackson, June 1905; Officer Hayden Youngblood, May 1962; Officer Cecil Sullivan, November 1967; Officer Billy Dease, January 1968; and Officer Steve Watkins, November 1981.

As part of the week set aside to honor both fallen and current law enforcement officers,  in this edition The Messenger has profiled one outstanding officer for each local department who was selected by their superiors.

Troy Police Det. Brian McLendon, Pike County Sheriff’s Deputy “Buck” Williams, Troy University Police Det. James Taylor and Brundidge Police Officer Larry Sapp have all proven their dedication to the community through their sacrifice and hard work that is often lifesaving.

Their stories are in a special “National Police Week” section of this edition.