On May 6, 2010 families, friends, citizens and fellow peace officers will gather in Florence at the Fallen Peace Officers’ Memorial to reaffirm these dedicated servants did not die in vain.
The memory of those peace officers who died in the line of duty so others may live in safety and security remain in our hearts and minds. Since 1962, May 15 has been designated as Police Memorial Day and the week into which that date falls, Police Memorial Week.
Services are usually held at various locations throughout the United States to formally acknowledge the sacrifice made by these law enforcement men and women.
This is not something we dwell upon, but it is not forgotten either. Nor do we or should we forget those whose lives were given for the benefit of the people we serve.
I myself became a police officer over 38 years ago. It has been a long journey that begun as I was coming out of the military and seemed to be going nowhere. A friend told me that the department in Norwalk, Connecticut, where I was living at the time was hiring; therefore, I applied.
I’ve been in many places and experienced much over my travels. Every officer, deputy, or peace officer has his or her own story about why they joined law enforcement and the varied experience they have endured.
We all, however, have one thing in common; that is our dedication to our jobs and a willingness to place the safety and welfare of others above our own. Sometimes it requires that we give everything, including our lives.
The names of those that died for us, for our communities, are commemorated in stone and metal in front of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Department on Jason Lopez Circle in Florence, Arizona.
It is here each May that we the citizens of Pinal County can refresh the memory of those who are now resting in eternal peace. We in Pinal County Law Enforcement are proud of those who went before us and have exhibited that pride not only in our hearts but also in the memorial.
On behalf of the Pinal County Law Enforcement Association, I am asking for your support to allow us to maintain this memorial. There are costs, repairs and upkeep, and, as much as I don’t wish to think about it, costs to add new names to this roll of honor.
Help in defraying some of these costs is accomplished by the sale of personalized bricks to be laid in front of the memorial. Bricks are available in two sizes, 4” x 8” with three lines of lettering (18 characters and/or spaces per line) for $100 or an 8”x 8” with five lines of lettering (18 characters and/or spaces per line) for $200.
Your continued support is greatly appreciated. You can join with others in donating to help lessen the impact in these difficult economic times. Three or five people can share a brick with each having a line. A small brick split three ways then becomes $33.33 a person and a large brick split five ways is $40 per person. If you wish to make a contribution without purchasing a brick, that would also be greatly appreciated.
Your donations are tax deductible and order forms may be obtained either from your local law enforcement agency or the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.
If you would like additional information, you may contact Cheryl Chase, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Community Relations Director at 520-709-4895 or email her at [email protected] .
Eloy Police Chief Bill Pitman is president of the Pinal County Law Enforcement Association.
Submitted photo
