Photo By Master Sgt. Faiza Evans | Command Sgt. Maj. Keith Devos, senior enlisted adviser to the commander, 42nd Military...... read more read more
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - Civilian and military law enforcement agencies gathered on May 8, 2012, at Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood to honor and remember their fallen comrades at the annual Pierce County Law Enforcement Memorial ceremony.
Col. David L. Chase, commander, 42nd Military Police Brigade, and Command Sgt. Maj. Keith Devos, senior enlisted adviser to the commander, 42nd MP Bde. was in attendance as well as several Army and Air Force service members to mourn and remember 24 of their fallen comrades, who were killed in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom since 2005.
The ceremony also recognized 35 Pierce County law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the line of duty since 1891 encompassing 122 years of service to the community.
“Our Heroes Live Forever” was the theme of the evening as representatives from each law enforcement agency performed a roll call of their fallen, as a brass bell was chimed as each name was read aloud.
The annual commemoration occurs during National Police Week paying homage to those law enforcement officers who gave their lives serving the community.
“Obviously, it’s a somber event but it’s important to see the sacrifices law enforcement officers make,” said Chase.
Washington State Lt. Gov. Brad Owen gave the keynote address during the ceremony and spoke of the selfless service and dedication to duty required of law enforcement professionals and described their career choice as a “unique calling.”
The 42nd MP Bde. had their most tragic year in 2005 at the height of combat operations in Iraq. The unit lost 15 soldiers that year. Their most recent causalities occurred in 2011 when Sgt. Jason M. Weaver and Spc. David R. Fahey Jr. were killed by an Improvised Explosive Device in support of OEF.
The most recent loss honored by the civilian agencies was Mt. Rainier National Park Ranger Margaret Anderson, who was shot and killed, Jan. 1, 2012, by a man wanted in connection with a Seattle shooting.
“The sacrifices they are willing to make for their peers and for the public at possible risk of making the ultimate sacrifice are no more evident than at gatherings like these,” Owen said. “A law enforcement officer never knows from day to day what his or her job will bring. It can go from mundane to horrific in a matter of moments.”
The Pierce County ceremony has evolved in recent years to also honor lost members of the military police, signifying the partnership between military and civilian local law enforcement agencies, said Tacoma Police Chief Don Ramsdell.
The color guard for the ceremony consisted of Army, Air Force and Pierce County law enforcement agencies carrying the flags and colors of their respective organizations, signifying the close partnership of law enforcement agencies in the community.
Charles Thornton, 627th Security Forces Squadron flight commander has been involved with the Pierce County Law Enforcement Memorial Organization since 1980.
“I believe this ceremony gives the forces an added pride in what they do and what they stand for,” said Thornton. “It gives them an insight to the history of who they represent and gives them the opportunity to remember these individuals that have sacrificed it all for their country and community.”
Chase commented that he was grateful to have the opportunity to participate in the event with the 627th Security Forces Squadron alongside their civilian counterparts in the community.
“Seeing all the law enforcement agencies here brings them all together in a bond of brotherhood,” he said.
Family members of fallen Pierce County law enforcement professionals were also in attendance and offered memories and words of encouragement to those still in mourning.
Guest speaker Pat Stafford is the mother of Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputy Kent Mundell, who died in 2009 in a shootout after responding to a domestic violence call.
“I love every one of you,” said Stafford. “To simply forget would be to dishonor those of you who still wear the uniform.”
“I think our 2006 Pierce County Law Enforcement Memorial poster said it all,” said Thornton. ‘By joining together in remembrance, of our Law Enforcement professionals and community members, we honor those lives that were taken in the line of duty. This day pays tribute to the courage and dedication of those who have died and those who survive them.’
The Steilacoom sub-chapter of the Association of the United States Army has taken the lead to appropriately memorialize the 42nd MP Bde. fallen soldiers. The organization is raising money to construct a memorial to be placed in Memorial Park on JBLM to ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten. For more information on the 42nd MP Bde Memorial Project, visit http://www.42mpmemorial.com/index.htm.
| Date Taken: | 07.10.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 07.11.2013 12:57 |
| Story ID: | 110063 |
| Location: | TACOMA, LAKEWOOD, PIERCE COUNTY, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 265 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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