The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will commemorate Peace Officer Memorial Day next week but a public ceremony will not be held, due to social distancing recommendations.
Sergeant Brad O’Dell said in 1962 President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating the day and the week in which it falls, as National Police Week.
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.
DCSO and local law enforcement agencies traditionally hold a local Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony on the front steps of the Douglas County Courthouse to pay tribute to five local law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.
*Officer Donald DeSues of the Roseburg Police who died August 7, 1959
*Special Deputy Ronald H.Terwilliger of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office who died July 23rd, 1985
*Corporal Virgle D. Knight of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office who died July 23rd, 1985
*Sergeant Gerald G. Chirrick of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office who died on July 23rd, 1985
*Deputy Morris L. Taylor of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office who died on September 14th, 2002
This year a small contingent of law enforcement Honor Guard personnel will raise a memorial flag, place wreaths at the memorial wall beneath the flag pole and pause in memory of all who have given their lives in the line of duty.
Sheriff John Hanlin asks the community to take a moment to remember all of the fallen law enforcement officers and their families. Hanlin said “I want the families of these men to know that their memory will not fade from our thoughts as we continue the service that they dedicated their lives to”. He said “This County is forever grateful for their sacrifice and we vow to honor their memory, even in times like this”.