Ceremony honors fallen peace officers

BONNERS FERRY — Individuals who have chosen to put on a badge for their job, who understand the risk every time they put on the uniform and step out their front door, are people like everyone else; they have families, hobbies, and dreams. The difference is they have a job in which every day could place them in the line of danger, a position that threatens their ability to ever come home to their families when the shift is over.

The Peace Officers across this country assume these risks so they may be able to preserve law and order, and to save lives.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which that date falls was designated as Police Week.

On Friday, May 18, at 7 p.m., people gathered at Becker Auditorium at Bonners Ferry High School for National Peace Officer Memorial Observance. The location was chosen so they would be able to hold a candlelight vigil during the traditional reading of the names of the peace officers who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.

The evening began with a welcome from Boundary County Chaplain Len Pine, followed by an invocation by Chaplain Bob Boone and the Presentation of the Colors by the Boundary County Fire Service Honor Guard. Chaplain Lewis Clark led the room in the Pledge of Allegiance, then Pine’s powerful voice filled the auditorium with the national anthem.

Clark returned to the podium, reading from the scriptures of Ezekiel 33:2-6, Romans 13:1-4, and Psalm 82:3-4. Bonners Ferry Mayor David Sims and Boundary County Commissioner Walt Kirby both came to the podium together.

“They compared notes and saw a great similarity between their proclamations,” explained Pine to the audience. “So they decided to do a group reading of the proclamations.”

During the proclamation, Kirby spoke about the number of peace officers lost.

“Since the first recorded death in 1791, more than 21,500 law enforcement officers in the United States have made the ultimate sacrifice, and have been killed in the line of duty,” he said.

Bonners Ferry Police Chief Brian Zimmerman stepped up to the podium next.

“There is no greater loss in law enforcement than an officer who has been killed in the line of duty,” said Zimmerman. “Unfortunately, that crisis repeated itself 129 times last year. The names of the fallen officers are carved each spring on the blue-gray walls of the National Law Enforcement Memorial in conjunction with the National Police Week.”

“There are faces to these numbers,” he explained to the solemn crowd.

The lights were then lowered as the audience took the candles they were provided when they first arrived, and lighting one to another. Soon the auditorium was dark, except for the tiny beacons of light that flickered, dotting the blackness.

Boundary County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Rich Stephens. U.S. Customs Superintendent Andrew Hogan, Border Patrol Agent Matt Turner, and U.S. Customs Officer James Solum, and Kootenai Tribal Police Chief Joel Minor took turns at the podium, reading the list of names of the fallen peace officers, their state, and agency.

Boundary County Sheriff Dave Kramer stepped up to the podium after the last of the candles were safely blown out, giving an emotional speech. He began by explained the lone table sitting in the aisle in front of the stage:

“The table is set for one who is not present. It is round to show our everlasting, never ending concern for our fallen Peace Officers. The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the purity of their motives when answering the call to serve and protect. The American Flag reminds us of the oath taken to uphold the Constitution, and a reminder presented to the family. A single red rose in the vase signifies the blood that may have shed in sacrifice to ensure the safety they swore to protect. A slice of lemon on the bread plate represents the bitter fate of the Peace Officers killed in the line of duty. Salt sprinkled on the bread plate: symbolic of the countless fallen tears of family and friends. Inverted glass represents the fact that the fallen Officers cannot partake. The bible represents the strength gained through faith. A lit candle reminiscent of the light of hope which lives in our hearts. Empty chair: The fallen Peace Officer is not present.”

Kramer spoke about the phrase ‘carved in stone’ as it referred to those fallen, who had their names forever carved in stone.

“It is something that is permanent, and will allow us and future generations to always recall the sacrifices that they have made,” Kramer said.

He also spoke of valor.

“In my opinion, law enforcement officers, regardless of the uniform color or badge, are serving with valor and giving hope to our country,” said Kramer. “We are blessed to live and serve in a community that is supportive of law enforcement, and understand that it is a partnership that we must maintain to keep our community and all of our first responders safe.”

Kramer told the audience that he had recently attended the dedication of the K27 Forever Memorial Park in Coeur d’Alene in the memory of Sgt. Greg Moore and all other officers that had made the ultimate sacrifice.

Kramer battled tears, explaining that Moore’s widow spoke about how her son would see K27 stickers in car windows and always say, “Look, there is daddy’s numbers. They must be thinking about daddy too.”

As Kramer finished, Stevens performed the Wreath Laying Ceremony, with a wreath donated by SugarPlum Floral. It will be on display at the Veteran’s Park in Bonners Ferry.

Last Call came next, as the room fell silent except the voice coming across the radio.

“We are thankful also, that we have the opportunity for dispatch to be involved, because they are an integral part of the law enforcement community as well. Without them, the officers in the field would not communicate as well and would be severely hampered in their duties,” said Pine.

“Our dispatch here is excellent. We are very thankful for their tireless labors behind the scenes, where nobody sees them,” he said.

The evening drew to a close with a prayer and benediction from Pine.

“Lord, we recognize that it is not just the line of duty deaths,” Pine said. “Over 140 committed suicide last year. The job is hard. The things that they see are traumatic, terrible, burned into the memory. Lord, I pray that you will protect them; give them your strength.”

The colors were then retired by the honor guard, accompanied by Patrick Warkentin playing “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes, echoing throughout the auditorium and the hearts of those who attended, showing their support and gratitude for those who choose the put their life on the line, day after day.