The Rowan County Peace Officers Memorial Service will be held at noon May 12, at First Presbyterian Church, 308 W. Fisher St., Salisbury.
The annual tribute honors those who have given their lives in the line of duty and those who continue to serve in law enforcement. The public is invited to attend the service, which is held in conjunction with 2009 National Police Week, May 10-16.
Each year, the commemoration unites the Salisbury Police Department and the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office as they pay homage to their fallen brothers.
Prior to the beginning of the service, the Salisbury Police Explorers will handle the “Placing of the Wreath,” and a musical prelude will be offered by Timothy D. Belflowers.
The Rowan County Honor Guard will post the colors at noon, and a Salisbury Police Explorer will lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
The invocation will be given by Dr. Jim C. Dunkin, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, with Salisbury Mayor Susan Kluttz giving the welcome.
“I would like to cordially invite the public to attend this memorial service as together we honor the memory of those so devoted to preserving justice through their protection of our freedom and their commitment to ensuring liberty and peace,” Kluttz said.
“To the parents, families and friends of these dedicated heroes, we embrace you with sincere compassion and with our heart-felt prayers. The memory of these brave men and women shall live on forever as we will remember them always in our hearts.”
In addition, Kluttz said, the service is meant to thank all law enforcement personnel and their families for their service.
“It is truly with the greatest of honor, respec, and dignity that we recognize the many dedicated peace officers throughout our community,” she said.
The Singing Deacons will provide music. The group includes Jeff McCorkle of the Rowan County Sherriff’s Office, and his daughter Madison.
Salisbury Police Chaplain Tom Teichroew will offer the scripture lesson.
A musical arrangement, Dance of the Blessed Spirits, will be performed by violinist Greg Pannell with accompaniment by Sgt. Lee Walker, both of the Salisbury Police Department.
Salisbury Deputy Chief Steve Whitley will serve as Honor Guard commander for the service.
State and local roll calls of honor will be read.
Deputies, troopers and police officers in North Carolina who have fallen in the line of duty since last May will be recognized.
Rowan County deputies, police officers and a sheriff who have fallen in the line of duty prior to 2008 also will be remembered.
They include:
– Deputy Chief William J. Propst, Nov. 17, 1922, Rowan County Sheriff’s Office.
– Deputy Chief Lindsey J. Yarbrough, June 3, 1927, Sheriff’s Office.
– Sheriff William Locke McKenzie, July 16, 1931, Sheriff’s Office.
– Deputy Danny R. Griffin, June 3, 1986, Sheriff’s Office.
– Deputy Rick Bauguess, Nov. 1, 1988, Sheriff’s Office.
– Officer Roger Dale Carter, Dec. 31, 1993, Kannapolis Police Department.
– Deputy John Beck, Jan. 27, 1994, Sheriff’s Office.
– Officer Robert Clement, June 3, 1999, Spencer Police Department.
– Deputy Rick Hillard, Oct. 17, 1999, Sheriff’s Office.
Chaplain Harvey Rice of the Salisbury Police Department will recognize and honor additional local law enforcement officers to be remembered.
The include Rick Davis, David M. Holyfield, Richard Eller, James L. Hurley, Perry Lee Fortson, Bob Martin, Rayford Graham, Anita Horton Rilling, Marvin Harvell, Daniel E. Sides, Bill Higgins, B.P. Tutterow, Lee Hill and C. Wayne Whitman.
The memorial wreath will include a white rose honoring those still in service.
Red roses are included in the floral arrangement to signify each Rowan County officer who has died in the line of duty and all North Carolina officers killed in the line of duty over the past year.
The blue carnations represent all officers.
Chaplain Harold Bumby of the Salisbury Police Department will offer the final benediction, and those attending will be dismissed to the courtyard fountain area, where the colors and wreath will be retired.
The Salisbury Police Department Honor Guard will offer the traditional 21-gun salute.
“We encourage all citizens to attend this memorial service as we remember those who loyally gave their lives to ensure safety for others,” Police Chief Mark Wilhelm said.
“The sacrifice of their families is supreme, and I assure you that these brave men and women will never be forgotten. Each one courageously swore an oath to uphold the law and assumed the responsibility of protecting our neighborhoods and our community. They have rightfully earned a place in our hearts forever.”
In support of National Police Week, numerous other local activities will transpire.
Today, the “Unity Ride” will arrive in Salisbury. Since 1997, police officers have ridden motorcycles to Washington, D.C., to commemorate the national week recognition and to honor their fellow fallen officers.
Riders will pass through Salisbury briefly on their route to the nation’s capital. A short prayer service will be held on the Rowan County Courthouse steps at approximately 2 p.m. today.
Citizens are invited to attend.
In addition, the N.C. Attorney General’s Office will conduct its annual Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Kannapolis at Charity Baptist Church, 2420 Brantley Road.
Representatives from N.C. law enforcement agencies will be in attendance, and the public is welcome to attend.
For questions regarding local law enforcement services held in conjunction with National Police Week, contact Officer Ann Cooper at 704-638-4463 or Lt. Karen Barbee at 704-216-7566.