The family of fallen police officer, Steve Watkins, attends Troy’s Annual Police Memorial Day Ceremony each May to honor the memory of their loved one.

And, they come, too, to say “thank you.”

“Our family wants to thank all of the law enforcement officers for their service and their sacrifice,” said Dave Watkins. “This is the least we can do for them. We want to thank the City of Troy and the community for remembering Steve and the others who lost their lives in service to their community. As long as people remember, they won’t be forgotten.”

Watkins said his brother, Steve, died doing what he liked to do.

“Steve served in the military as an MP and, when he came home, he wanted to be a police officer. He knew the dangers and the risks but he was willing to serve. He loved what he was doing. We miss him terribly but we will see him again one day.”

Keith Watkins, said his brother, gave the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty and he honors and respects him for his commitment.

“Steve was willing to take the risks and make the sacrifices and he paid the ultimate price, Watkins said. “By coming to the Police Memorial Day Ceremony, our family honors Steve and we show respect for all of those who serve. They take the risks and make the sacrifices that are required of law enforcement officers and we respect and honor them.”

At the ceremony, Troy Mayor Jason A. Reeves spoke first to the families of the fallen officers and told them that there are no words to convey appreciation for the “heavy sacrifices you have laid on the altar of law and order and freedom.”

“We honor the sacrifices of our fallen officers and we honor you, their families, for the sacrifices you make every day as we continue to move forward from those times,” Reeves said.

The mayor said it is important for local citizens to know and understand the depth of the sense of duty of all officers and their steadfast willingness to sacrifice so much to keep their communities safe.
“This is a tough time for men and women in uniform to do their jobs,” Reeves said. “It’s always a tough time for them to do their jobs.”

And, it takes special people to be willing to put their lives in jeopardy in service to others, Reeves said. “We honor and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice here today.”

The Roll Call of Honor for the Troy Police Department was by Troy Police Chief Randall Barr. Those so honored were: Will G. Jackson, June 13, 1905; Hayden Youngblood, May 22, 1962; Cecil Sullivan, Nov. 12, 1967; Billy Dease, Jan. 15, 1968; and Steve Watkins, Nov. 26, 1981. The Roll Call was followed by the Presentation of the Wreath at the Memorial Marker.

The Police Memorial Day Ceremony then moved to Bicentennial Park Memorial where a wreath was presented and the Roll Call of Honor was read to include the names of State Trooper R.W. “Bob” Jones, Nov. 3, 1991 and Conservation Officer Grady R. Jackson, Feb. 12, 1984.

Joyce Dix was among the local citizens who attended the 38th Police Memorial Day Ceremony.

“It is important to me, as a citizen of Troy and Pike County, to honor those who gave their lives in service to others,” Dix said.

“It is also important for me to let these officers, who are protecting and serving our community, know that I appreciate them and thank them. If we didn’t have law enforcement officers to protect and serve us, we would have chaos. I’m just thankful that I have these officers looking out for me. That’s why I’m here for them because they are here for me.”