Local law enforcement officials honor fallen officers

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Hundreds of people were at the Lake Terrace Convention Center Wednesday for this year’s Police Memorial Ceremony, which is an event to honor fallen officers throughout the Pine Belt.

“It gives us an opportunity to celebrate the lives together, to tell those who are still active that we love them, and to show them the respect that they deserve,” said Mayor of Hattiesburg, Johnny DuPree.

The Hattiesburg Police Department, Forrest County Sheriff’s Department, and Mississippi Highway Patrol each lost an officer while on duty. And amongst these three agencies, 17 total law enforcement officials have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“It’s a way for us to show the families that we’re still here for them. We may have lost a brother or a sister, but we’ve gained a greater family by bringing them closer to us. And being able to work with them as well as the community, because without the support of the community, we wouldn’t be able to do a lot of the stuff we do,” said Hattiesburg Police Officer, Lt. Jon Traxler.

The Petal Police Department, the Lamar County Sheriff’s Department, and the USM Police Department were there in attendance as well.