Police agencies and supporters from throughout Berrien County have honored law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty with the annual Peace Officers Memorial Day Service in downtown St. Joseph Monday. They gathered at the Berrien County Law Enforcement Officer’s Monument in Lake Bluff Park to read the names of all 17 local officers who have paid the ultimate price for their service since 1907. State Senator Aric Nesbitt was the featured speaker.
“Today’s a day of reflection and appreciation and remembrance, and for some of us, it is very personal,” Nesbitt said.
The names of all 17 Berrien County officers were read, along with three from outside the area. Flowers were laid on the monument in honor of each. Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey told us it’s important to hold the event for the officers each year.
“To show their family that they’ll never be forgotten,” Bailey said. “It’s important. They paid that ultimate sacrifice by doing their job every day, going out there and protecting strangers and making sure our community was safe.”
Family of fallen officers took part in the flower laying, and a 21 gun salute was held. The FOP Blossomland Lodge #100 has held the memorial each year for about 30 years. Sheriff Bailey told us it’s a great feeling to see all the people who come out to pay their respects.
