Features Editor

A Police Memorial Day ceremony will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15 at Bicentennial Park to remember those officers lost in the line of duty and to honor those who protect and serve the people of Pike County.

Police Memorial Week will take on special meaning this year because of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, said Sgt. Benny Scarbrough, public information officer with the Troy Police Department.

"Because of Sept. 11, more people are aware of the services police officers provide and of the dangers they face," Scarbrough said. "National Police Week will take on a whole new meaning for a lot of people this year."

Since 1905, the Troy Police Department has lost five officers in the line of duty. While that might not seem like a high number for almost 100 years of providing security for a city the size of Troy, Scarbrough said one officer lost in the line of duty is one too many.

Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford signed a proclamation declaring the week of May 12-18 Police Officers Week.

"Our law enforcement officers are the guardians of the public’s life and property, the defenders of the individual’s right to be free, warriors in the battle against crime and are dedicated to the preservation of life and property," Lunsford said. "Our community

wants to honor the valor, service and dedication of our fine police officers."

The mayor called upon all citizens to take this opportunity to express appreciation to the men and women who are willing to sacrifice their lives, if necessary, to guard the citizens of their communities.

"Our community wants to honor the valor, service and dedication of our police officers," Lunsford said. "We should all come out Wednesday and support those whose duty it is to protect and to serve."

The Congress of the United States has designated the week of May 15 to be dedicated as National Police Week and May 15 to be Police Memorial Day.