Fallen officers remembered during annual ceremony
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The 44th annual fallen officer memorial service took place over the weekend honoring the ones who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect their communities. Agencies from all over the desert southwest coming together as one to remember their fellow brothers and sisters in uniform.
“Having all of the law enforcement officers represented all of the agencies represented to not forget those that gave their sacrifices is one of the most important things that we can do. Every May 15 it's just a pleasure being achieved to come out. And remember, those that have given their lives and the families that continue to deal with those types of issues as well,” said San Luis Police chief Rich Jessup.
The community also came together standing by loved ones of fallen officers.
“This is a product of the people in the community that care about it because it's wasn't just law enforcement that built this memorial, there was people from the community that built up a memorial and that's what's nice about Yuma.”
Chief Jessup explains how the agencies in our area have built trust with the community.
“I'm just thankful that we've got law enforcement people who go out and represent their community very well represented departments very well, that have character, integrity, and professionalism, and we know the things that they do day in and day out, is a sacrifice to a lot of different people,” Jessup added.
Officers in other parts of the country are getting a bad wrap.
“In the Yuma area community, none of that other stuff leaks in here that happened with all the disdain and hatred of law enforcement across the country in certain areas.“
Sgt. Eric Egan, President of the Fraternal Order of Police Yuma Lodge #24 says that’s is not happening here and it has a lot to do due to how our officers make and build relationships with us.
He shares some advice with fellow officers.
“Remember everyone has a family and they will make their views of us by your contact with their family members be the reason, your community, trusts your agency,” Egan shared.
