May 16, 2022 9:00 a.m.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will host a Peace Officer Memorial Day ceremony on Tuesday.

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 said across the United States ceremonies are being held to remember those serving in law enforcement who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.

The local event will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will be a tribute to the six law enforcement officers in the county who have died in the line of duty:

*Officer Donald DeSues – Roseburg Police Department – August 5, 1959

*Special Deputy Ronald H. Terwilliger – Douglas County Sheriff’s Office – July 23, 1985

*Corporal Virgle D. Knight Jr – Douglas County Sheriff’s Office – July 23, 1985

*Sergeant Gerald G. Chirrick – Douglas County Sheriff’s Office – July 23, 1985

*Deputy Morris L. Taylor – Douglas County Sheriff’s Office – September 14, 2002

*Deputy S. Allen Burdic – Douglas County Sheriff’s Office – March 11, 2021

The ceremony will be held in front of the Douglas County Courthouse. It is open to members of the community who wish to pay remembrance to the fallen and their families. The event will include a police honor guard, wreath laying ceremony, bagpipes and a 21-gun salute.