Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service Held at Capitol
Almost 40 law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty in the U.S. this year. More than 20,000 names are written on the national memorial in Washington, D.C., which tracks the names of officers killed since the late 1800s.
On Friday, Alabama’s annual memorial service at the state capitol honored local officers who died in the line of duty. Dozens turned out for the memorial, including families of fallen law enforcement and their fellow officers.
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley and Attorney General Luther Strange also were there to honor the memories of the four law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in 2013. Each family placed a red rose on a wreath. Family members say even though it’s difficult to deal with the loss, the chance to meet other survivors gives them a sense of support.
“People who have lost someone close to them and certainly people who have lost an officer understand those feelings and I’ve had such support,” said Vicki Kay, whose husband, Allen Kay, died while on duty as a DeKalb County Sheriff’s Deputy.
Governor Robert Bentley also took to the podium. “The sacrifices that are made by these men and women, they’re unmatched. It is important for all of us Alabamians and Americans to always take note of this,” Bentley said.
The national law enforcement memorial service is next Thursday in Washington, D.C,
