Fraternal Order of Police hosts annual memorial service honoring fallen and current officers

YUMA, Ariz.(KYMA)-The Fraternal Order of Police hosted its 49th annual Memorial Day Service tonight, honoring fallen and current law enforcement officers.

This event honors law enforcement professionals who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Franscisco Saenz, vice president of FOP Yuma Lodge #24, said, “What we do here is really spend some time to remember them and spend some time with their family and give them an opportunity and time to dedicate to them on what they did during their service to our community.”

During this special event, the Yuma Police Department Honor Guard team conducts a 21-gun salute, a long-standing tradition honoring the fallen.

Yuma Police Chief Thomas Garrity said, “These are the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our community that they care about. It's important for us to remember their sacrifice but it's also a beacon of what our officers do every day.”

Organizers say it's important to recognize the sacrifices law enforcement officers make every day to keep our community safe.

Garrity added, “It's important for them to remember and you know this is a chance for the community to show their gratitude towards people who are willing to give that ultimate sacrifice to the community.”

Today is an important day to honor those who currently service our community and to remember those who we have lost.