In the Line of Duty

Jackie Dover

As I sit writing this article, a headline that catches my attention is that of a Washington deputy shot and killed in the line-of-duty while responding to a call. According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, that makes the 33rd line of duty death for law enforcement in the United States this year, a 28 percent decrease from last year. A decrease is good, but 33 is still too high of a number for in-the-line-of-duty officer deaths.

I have known many law enforcement officers over the course of my life. As many of you know, my husband has been a deputy sheriff for 13 years, and my baby brother is an emergency dispatcher in the town where we grew up.

I have been lucky in many ways that I know only one person who lost his life in the line of duty. Bob was my husband’s Marine Corps buddy who also became a police officer. Bob was funny, kind and really bad at video games, as I was able to beat him on multiple occasions. It was a shock when he was killed in a car crash in 2013 while on duty. We still remember and talk about Bob, and any time my husband speaks with his Marine Corps buddies, they take time to honor him.

When any officer dies in the line of duty, much is lost: a friend, a sister, a brother, a father, a son or a daughter. They all deserve to be remembered and honored for the sacrifice they made to keep us safe. Seniors and Lawmen Together (SALT) lead the way in honoring those in our area who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The SALT Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony recognizes 49 fallen heroes who died in the line of duty. On May 23 at 6 p.m. at Cape Bible Chapel, 2911 Kage Road in Cape Girardeau, we get a chance to remember with respect, gratitude and honor these 49 men who made a difference in their communities. We also get the chance to honor their families and make sure they know we appreciate the sacrifices they have made. SALT honors those from Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Dunklin, Iron, Madison, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Ripley, Scott, Stoddard and Wayne counties.

The Law Officer Memorial Ceremony is open to all, and I encourage you to attend. During the evening, attendees get to hear the winning essays from the “Police — Our Heroes” essay contest. It is inspiring how these young kids view police officers; the respect and appreciation they have is very moving.

In addition to recognizing the essay contest winners, Sandy Karsten, director of Public Safety, will be the keynote speaker, and SALT will give out the Roger Fields Award of Excellence. Finally, attendees will participate in the reason why we all gather: the Final Call, a recitation of the 49 heroes we are honoring.

SALT also sponsors the Law Officer Memorial, located at Cape County Park North. This memorial displays all 49 names of the fallen heroes from our area and stands as a lasting tribute to their sacrifice. I encourage you to visit, and take a moment to say thank you to these 49 heroes.

We are lucky there are men and women willing to risk so much for those they do not know, and that so many have the courage and bravery needed to put their lives at risk every time they go to work. Please take the time to honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and thank those who still serve.