Peace Officer Memorial Day & Police Week Declared in Douglas County

National Police Week Collage for Douglas CountyPhoto byDouglas County Government

By Kristy Tallman

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. – Commissioners Chris Boice, Tim Freeman, and Tom Kress participated in the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Peace Officer Memorial Day Ceremony on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the Douglas County Courthouse.

The annual Peace Officer Memorial Day Ceremony serves as a solemn remembrance for the Douglas County law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Sheriff John Hanlin commenced the ceremony, expressing gratitude to the men and women who serve in law enforcement. He honored the memory of the six Douglas County officers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of the community. Sheriff Hanlin extended heartfelt appreciation to the families of the fallen officers and recognized the enduring support and sacrifice of families of police officers and public safety officials, both past and present.

Commissioner Chris Boice, representing all three Douglas County Commissioners, read a proclamation during the ceremony. The proclamation declared Wednesday, May 15, 2024, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 12-18, 2024, as Police Week in Douglas County. Boice urged all citizens to observe Peace Officers Memorial Day in memory of the courageous law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives for their communities. He also called upon the community to commemorate Police Week by honoring the service of law enforcement officers, past and present.

Peace Office Memorial and Police Week ProclamationPhoto byDouglas County Government

Following the proclamation, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard initiated the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony with a call to attention. A bagpipe performance of "The Green Hills of Tyrol" followed, paying tribute to the fallen officers. The Honor Guard then presented the colors and raised the Peace Officer Memorial Flag at half-staff alongside the United States and Oregon Flags. Sheriff John Hanlin and Roseburg Police Chief Gary Klopfenstein placed ceremonial wreaths at the Douglas County Fallen Police Officer Memorial.

A special radio broadcast by DCSO 911 Communications Dispatch honored the fallen officers:

• Officer Donald DeSues - Roseburg Police Department - End of Watch (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

• Deputy S. Allen Burdic - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW March 11, 2021

The ceremony continued with a 21-gun salute and the ceremonial playing of taps. It concluded with the traditional rendition of "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes and a final call to attention before dismissal.

After the ceremony, Commissioners Boice, Freeman, and Kress presented proclamation certificates to various law enforcement agencies and officials, acknowledging their service and sacrifice. The event received support from the City of Roseburg Fire Department, Douglas County Fire District #2, and community members.

A video presentation of the ceremony is available on the Douglas County Government Facebook page. For more information on National Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, visit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund website.

By Kristy Tallman

The Republic News

Source: Douglas Co. Government