Photo By Lesley Atkinson | A candle is being lit by Lt. Tim Wilson, Provost Marshall Office for a fallen law...... read more read more
FORT LEE, Va. (May 25, 2017) -- A large contingent of Fort Lee personnel, including Garrison Chaplain Col. Claude Crisp and Provost Marshal Maj. Joe Tull were among the attendees of the 23rd Annual Tri-Cities Law Enforcement Memorial Breakfast May 17 at the Hopewell Moose Lodge.
The event was hosted by the Fort Lee PMO. As its name implies, the purpose of the breakfast is to honor the service and sacrifice of all U.S. law enforcement officers, civilian and military. The breakfast coincides with National Police Week.
As the ceremony’s guest speaker, Crisp first addressed the significance of what police officers do on a daily basis.
“You put your lives on line for friends, family, neighborhoods and for our nation,” he observed. “You do it for people you don’t even know. Some of them may even be your enemy, but I know you have vowed to protect and defend everyone. Your efforts on behalf of all citizens of this great nation are inspiring, to say the least, and heroic in all aspects.”
Crisp also offered a poignant observation about the types of threats defenders of freedom and the law face today.
“In recent years, the military has had to deal with more of a subtle enemy who blends into the community by dressing like everyone else … and a brutal enemy who hides in houses with women and children. Similarly, law enforcement has been dealing with such enemies for years. Just like any other brave man or woman proud to wear the uniform, they rush toward the sound of gunfire in the cities, often not knowing who the enemy actually is, and they must make life and death decisions on the fly.
“For those honored today, that is exactly what we have to be reminded of,” Crisp continued. “The decisions they made that cost them their lives were motivated by the good of others, and today we honor them. They are true heroes.”
During the ensuing ceremony, a roll call of 22 names were read aloud, each describing the situation leading to the death of a fallen officer. A procession of family, friends and co-workers approached the memorial table where framed pictures of the honorees were bathed in the soft light of burning candles. Fort Lee Soldiers added significance to the tribute by serving as group escorts and presenting a white rose to the family of each officer and rendering a salute for their loss and sacrifice.
As the ceremony drew to a close, Staff Sgt. Christina Kolodziej from the 392nd Army Band played “Taps,” and Sgt. Mike McCann from the Virginia State Police performed “Amazing Grace” on bagpipe.
Tull shared his thoughts about the importance of hosting and participating in the event afterward. “Certainly, we want to honor all fallen officers,” he said, “and this is a tremendous opportunity to interact with our local enforcement partners. It is a great event for us to strengthen our bond and nurture relationships.”
Surviving spouse Elva Hollins, who was marking the 50th anniversary of her husband’s death in the line of duty at this year’s observance, has been a regular memorial breakfast attendee. She never remarried and still considers herself to be part of the law enforcement family.
“So many people in our nation these days have been led to believe policemen are bad people,” Hollins said. “The actions of the few have taken away from the reputation of so many. I think there is so much good these people do, but they seldom get recognized. There is good in every profession. It’s these types of ceremonies held throughout the nation that remind us our community policeman, military officers and sheriffs are there to help and they’re willing to face great danger to keep us safe.”
| Date Taken: | 05.25.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 05.25.2017 13:54 |
| Story ID: | 235295 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 53 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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