May 13, 2024 3:05 a.m.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will host a local Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony on the front lawn of the courthouse on Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15th as Peace Officer Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week.

Lieutenant Brad O’Dell of DCSO said across the United States, ceremonies are held to remember those serving in law enforcement who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.

Six local law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty:

*Officer Donald DeSues of Roseburg Police Department on August 7, 1959

From the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office:

*Special Deputy Ronald H. Terwilliger on July 23, 1985

*Corporal Virgle D. Knight Jr. on July 23, 1985

*Sergeant Gerald G. Chirrick on July 23, 1985

*Deputy Morris L. Taylor on September 14, 2002

*Deputy S. Allen Burdic on March 11, 2021

The ceremony is open to members of the community who wish to pay remembrance to the fallen and their families. The tribute will include a proclamation by the Board of Commissioners, a police honor guard, wreath laying ceremony, bagpipes, a 21-gun salute and a county-wide broadcast on the Law 1 police dispatch channel.