For police officers across Pike County, this week was about remembering.

“I think Police Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to express our gratitude to the officers who have given their lives in the line of duty and to let the families and loved ones of those individuals know we have not forgotten their sacrifice,” said Troy Police Chief Anthony Everage.

And Wednesday, as police officers from area law enforcement agencies gathered at the Troy Police Department to celebrate Police Memorial Day, the community could see serving officers continue to remember.

“It’s a time to reflect on what can happen, and hopefully we won’t have that — lose an officer — but it just reminds us that it is a possibility. I hope it encourages us to be careful and be aware of the risk our officers take everyday,” Everage said.

This year’s Police Memorial Day celebration marked the first time there have been no current serving officers who worked with one of the officers that has died.

“I think we are just so fortunate that we have gone so long without having an officer killed in the line of duty,” Everage said. “I think we need to strive everyday to be professional and to train our officers as best we can to try and prevent that from happening.”

Police Memorial Week isn’t just about remembering the officers who have fallen. It’s also a time to honor those currently serving.

The Messenger’s Law Enforcement section, published in today’s edition, works to do just that. One member of each of the Pike County law enforcement agencies is chosen to be celebrated by their departments.

Pike County Sheriff’s Deputy Tommy Price, Troy Police Officer Hope Griffin and Brundidge Police Officer Herman Howard Dickey Jr. are featured.

““He’s an asset to this department and an asset to the citizens of this county,” said Sheriff Russell Thomas, of Price, a deputy of 14 years. Dickey joined the Brundidge Police Department from the Department of Corrections in March 2010 and is the handler of their canine Onyx. Brundidge Police Chief Moses Davenport said the department is lucky to have Dickey on staff. “He’s a good officer and we’re proud to have him,” he said.

Everage said Griffin brings a different perspective to the Troy Police Department. “She’s always smiling, has a really good outlook and deals well with the public,” he said.