The Troy Police Department held its 47th annual Police Memorial Day Ceremony on Wednesday. 

Each year, the TPD holds its memorial service on Wednesday during National Police Week, which is May 11-17 this year. Troy Mayor Jason Reeves said it was important to remember the sacrifices police officers made on a daily basis, and it was vitally important for people to remember the officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. 

“[The death of an officer] is also something we’ve always got to be mindful of and we’ve got to think about,” Reeves said. “And we know that you and your families live with the possibility of that sacrifice every day. And as a member of this community, as a leader of this community, I am so grateful and thankful for all of the people who have been willing to serve this community, that have been willing to lay down their lives for this community, for the families that support them each and every day. 

“And know that your community supports you, that your government supports you, and that I support you. Thank you to all of you that make the effort to be here every day. It means more than you could ever know. Thank you.”

Katherine Robertson, chief counsel for Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, served as the guest speaker for the memorial. Robertson previously served as senior adviser to Attorney General Luther Strange and as legislative counsel to U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions. She is a 10-year veteran of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. 

“We’re gathered here for a solemn purpose, to honor the lives and legacies of Alabama’s law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” Robertson said.  “… You are more than a badge and a uniform. You are the guardians of peace, defenders of the innocent, and protectors of the public trust. 

“Tragically, we know that not every officer who leaves for work returns back home. The officers we honor across our state during this Police Week were not only professionals performing their duties, they were heroes who lived with purpose and died with valor. Their courage was not confined to one moment, but it was shown day in and day out, and the quiet dedication to duty that defines true service. They lived with the knowledge that each shift could be their last. We owe them our deepest gratitude and enduring support.”

Troy Police Department Officer Chasse Waters placed a wreath on the Troy Police Department Memorial in honor of the city’s fallen officers just before Troy Police Chief Danny Barron presented the Roll Call of Honor. 

“Today we gather in solemn remembrance to honor the fallen officers of the Troy Police Department,” Barron said. “Heroes who gave their lives for their fellow man with courage. They face each call, not knowing what the day may bring, with honor. They wore the badge and they upheld the law with integrity. They served our community with unwavering commitment. These officers are more than names on this wall. They’re sons, they’re husbands, they’re friends and protectors. They stood the line so that others could live in peace and safety. Their legacy is one of sacrifice and strength of duty fulfilled and lives touched. We speak their names today, not in mourning, but in grateful remembrance.”

• Officer Will Jackson, end of watch, June 3, 1905
• Officer Jean Youngblood, end of watch, May 21, 1962
• Sergeant Cecil Sullivan, end of watch, Nov. 12, 1967
• Sergeant Billy Ray Dease, end of watch, January 15, 1968
• Officer George Steve Watkins, end of watch, November 26, 1981