Murphy – Members of Cherokee County law enforcement agencies, guest speakers and local residents attended a ceremony in honor of fallen officers Thursday at Konehete Veterans Park.
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. The week pays special recognition to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
The ceremony opened with a prayer spoken by chaplain Earl Delvalle with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The skies were bright and sunny over the solemn moments of the morning event.
Joining the service were Jerry and Kathe Starks, parents of fallen Fort Myers (Fla.) police Officer Daniel Matthew Starks, who gave his life during a vehicle pursuit on Oct. 25, 2003.
“I’m proud to have an event that honors and recognizes fallen law enforcement officers as well as their families, even years down the road,” Sheriff Dustin Smith said.
Local resident Marty Smith, a former law enforcement officer from Tampa, Fla., also attended the event.
“I’ve spent 30 years in law enforcement, and we’re a family,” he said. “When I heard about this event I wanted to make sure I was here for them. I felt it was my duty and honor to be here to support them today.”
From time to time an officer’s badge may be partly covered with a black or black and blue band. That is referred to as the “mourning
badge” and fits around an agency’s badges. The band is stretched across a law enforcement officer’s badge as a symbol of respect and grief in the wake of a fallen officer’s death.
“This job is not something everybody can do, it’s a calling,” Smith said. “It’s something you can’t get away from.”
Sheriff’s Capt. David Williams with the read the names of the law enforcement officers who have been killed in Cherokee County, along with their end of watch date.
- Sheriff Frank C. Crawford: March 3, 1953.
- Deputy Sheriff Zack C. Ramsey: Oct. 2, 1942.
- Special Deputy Sheriff Allen Dean: Aug. 20, 1921.
- Special Deputy Sheriff Charles H. Watson: Aug. 18, 1921.
- Murphy Chief of Police A. MacDonald “Mack” Carringer: Oct. 7, 1930.
- Patrolman Joseph Robert Davis: May 3, 1948.
- Patrolman Charles Elem Galloway: May 3, 1948.
Smith thanked Rambling Rose Florist & Gifts for their donation of the memorial wreath on display at the ceremony.