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DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15th as Peace Officer Memorial Day and the week in which it falls, 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.
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office 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 the five law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty:
• Officer Donald DeSues - Roseburg Police Department - EOW August 7, 1959
• Special Deputy Ronald H. Terwilliger - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985
• Corporal Virgle D. Knight Jr. - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985
• Sergeant Gerald G. Chirrick - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985
• Deputy Morris L. Taylor - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW September 14, 2002
In light of current social distancing recommendations due to COVID-19, a public memorial ceremony will not be held this year. Instead, 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 Hanlin asks the community to take a moment to remember all of our fallen law enforcement officers and their families. Their service and sacrifice to our communities cannot and will not ever be forgotten.
"I want the families of these men to know that their memory will not fade from our thoughts as we continue the service they dedicated their lives to," said Sheriff Hanlin. "This County is forever grateful for their sacrifice and we vow to honor their memory, even in times like this."