Law enforcement officers from across Pike County gathered Wednesday in front of the Troy Police Department to honor the five officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.

“It’s only fitting that we honor the officers who made the supreme sacrifice for this community as well as for the department,” said Troy Police Chief Jimmy Ennis. “I think it’s especially important in this day and age, especially in light of the two slain officers in Hattiesburg, Miss. I think people need to realize that these officers put their lives on the line every day. It’s a job that they come to not knowing if they’re going to go home at the end of their shift. I would hope people would appreciate that.”

The ceremony marked the city’s celebration of Police Memorial Week and honored the men listed on the Roll Call of Honor: Will G. Jackson, Hayden Youngblood, Cecil Sullivan, Billy Dease and Steve Watkins.

“Today is also a day to honor the families of these fallen officers. We appreciate each one of them and the sacrifices they have made. We take great pride in showing respect to not only the officers, but also to their families who have given so much for this community,” Ennis said.

Troy Mayor Jason Reeves spoke at the memorial and said he could remember the Thanksgiving Day 1981 when Watkins had lost his life responding to a call.

“I want to especially thank the Watkins family for being here,” Reeves said. “Thank you for your sacrifice. I was 9 years old Thanksgiving Day 1981, and I will never forget it.”

Dave Watkins, Steve’s younger brother, said his brother was doing what he loved most at the time of his death, serving his community.

“He was serving his community,” Watkins said. “He was doing what he wanted to do. He had opportunities for other things, he was trained as an MP in the Marine Corps, he also went to the police academy here. But, he really wanted to serve this community and he knew full well what could happen to him, but that’s what he wanted to do.”

Reeves went on to say that it was a difficult time to be a police officer.

“There are very few jobs that you get up to go to every day without promise of coming home, and that means something to us,” Reeves said. “We are humbled by your service and your sacrifice, and we are thankful for every year that we can gather and not add a name to that marble plaque. It means a great deal to me, and this community, everything that you do for us. That cannot be overstated and it cannot be overstated that we pray and support your safety in every way that we can.”

Ennis said the department had been blessed over the years. “My hope and prayer is that we never have to experience an officer losing his life in the line of duty in Troy again,” Ennis said.