Blue Lives Matter, CCPD lowers flag to half staff in honor of fallen officers

CEDAR CITY – The dark skies and ominous storm clouds overhead with scattered rain showers set the somber setting Wednesday morning as Cedar City police officers gathered at the cemetery to remember their fallen comrades.

The ceremony hosted by Cedar City Police Department was one of many held this week throughout the country in honor of National Police Week. The service was a tribute to the 118 officers who died in the line of duty and 66 others who were victims of malicious attacks in 2016.

About 35 to 40 people attended Wednesday’s memorial that included some remarks from Shakespearean Founder Fred Adams, bagpipe music and the lowering of the American flag to half-staff.

The service is one that Sgt. Jerry Womack said the department plans to continue as an annual event to remember those officers who gave their all.

“This event was something that was really important,” Womack said. “We planned this particular event over the last year because we wanted to do something more than what we’ve done in the past and it’s something we want to continue and allow it to grow bigger in the future.”

President Trump kicked off this week’s events by signing an executive order Monday proclaiming May 15, 2017, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 14 through May 20, 2017, as National Police Week.

“Police officers are the thin blue line whose sacrifices protect and serve us every day, and we pledge to support them as they risk their lives to safeguard ours,” the proclamation states.

The president also spoke at the annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service that drew in approximately 30,000 to 40,000 attendees to the Nation’s Capital.

“No one asked these selfless men and women to enlist in this righteous cause, or to enroll as foot soldiers in the eternal struggle against crime and violence,” Trump said speaking at the Police Memorial. “They joined the cause because their hearts were big and full of amazing courage.  They joined because they cared so deeply for the innocent and helpless and forgotten. They put on the uniform because they believed to the very core of their souls, that it was their mission in life to serve and to protect.”

Trump ended the day by lighting up the White House in blue – the first time a president has ever done this during Police Week. The move was in keeping with his campaign promise to be a strong supporter of law enforcement and return “law and order” to the country.

“You are the Thin Blue Line between civilization and chaos,” Trump said. “You come from every community and all walks of life. You are mothers and fathers and sons and daughters. You rush into unknown danger, risking your lives for people you have never met, people you don’t know, performing your duty under the most difficult conditions – and often without any thanks at all. Because you do not hear it nearly enough, I want you to know that patriotic Americans of all backgrounds truly support and love our police.”

Knowing the president has their back goes a long way to helping law enforcement feel safer and in turn carrying out the duties of their job, Cedar City Police Chief Darin Adams said.

“Just to hear the support coming from the president as he spoke from the White House lawn was gratifying and really helps to boost and enhance morale and confidence,” Adams said.

The number of U.S. police officers killed in the line of duty hit a five-year high last year with more ambush-style attacks than in the past two decades, according to FBI statistics.

Many officers point to the negative attitudes from previous administrations that they feel were perpetuated by the national media to the public as part of the reason for the increase in numbers.

“That whole false narrative of corrupt cops that has ran through previous administrations and then continued in media reports puts our lives at risk even more,” Iron County Sheriff Mark Gower said. “It spreads hate among the members of the public towards law enforcement and increases the risks we face on the streets and as that hate has continued to grow the statistics of cops killed in the line of duty has also grown.”

Despite the current climate of dislike toward law enforcement, officers throughout Iron County have continued to enjoy local support, something they say they heavily rely on in their job.

“We have been very fortunate in this community to have the community support,” Adams said. “It is incredible the love and support we have received from the community even as the negative sentiments towards law enforcement has continued and spread throughout the country. That support from our community stakeholders is crucial to the morale, confidence and courage of our officers. We rely on our community to do our job and recognize we absolutely cannot do our job without them.”

Womack and Gower echoed Adams’ sentiments stating they were also grateful for the community support, recognizing the importance of the public in their role as police officers.

Trump also called on Americans to support law enforcement.

“To all Americans watching this event today, next time you see a cop on the beat, take a moment to say two wonderful words, which they so readily deserve: Thank you. Thank you,” Trump said to a round of applause.

President John F. Kennedy first signed a similar proclamation in 1962 honoring those who gave all. The Memorial Service formally began 20 years later in 1982 as a gathering in Senate Park with approximately 120 survivors and supporters of law enforcement.

Every president since has observed Peace Officers Memorial Day with flags flown at half-staff and proclamations honoring the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers throughout the nation.

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