PEACE OFFICERS’ MEMORIAL DAY 2011

The Norfolk Police Department conducted the 2011 Police Officers’ Memorial service in memory of our fallen officers on Wednesday, May 18th. The program opened with the presentation of the Colors. Captain F. E. Emerson introduced and welcomed the many visitors from Norfolk and other cities. The National Anthem was sung by Firefighter Gary Coggin.

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

The Norfolk Police Department paid tribute to all Law Enforcement Officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, but in particular honored the 38 Norfolk Officers who lost their lives in the line of duty over the past century while wearing the badge of the Norfolk Police Department. The first name on the Norfolk Police Honor Roll is John McNerney, who died on September 22, 1904; the last is Seneca B. Darden who died on May 21, 2006.

Vice-Mayor Anthony Burfoot issued an official proclamation for the observance of this occasion and presented it to Acting Chief Sharon Chamberlin. He assured the families of these officers that they would never be forgotten. Chief Chamberlin spoke on the purpose of the program.

Many beautiful floral wreaths were given by community and law enforcement organizations. As has been the CPAAAN custom over many years, our association provided a memorial arrangement in grateful memory of our officers. Several musical selections on bagpipe were provided by Mr. Bill Wagner.

Captain W. Driskell read the names on the Norfolk Police Honor Roll; there was a bell chime as the name of each deceased officer was called. Benediction was offered by Police Chaplain Steven Lewis. The service closed with TAPS and the dismissal of the Honor Guard.