Three Vermilion County law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty were remembered today during a ceremony as part of National Police Week. The ceremony at Sunset Memorial Park honored Sheriff’s Sergeant Myron Deckard, who died June 6, 2001…..Danville Police Patrolman David Farnsworth, who died January 27th, 1976….and Danville Police Officer August Lind, who died April 10th, 1908.
Vermilion County Sheriff Pat Hartshorn says it is important to remember their service.
‘’You know this is a yearly event. We want to try and keep this in front of the public that we have officers who have given their lives for this community. And what’s always heartening to me is the number of people who come out – the citizens who come out for this event,’’ said the Sheriff. ‘’And again today we had a big turnout, so I’m really pleased with that.’’
Hartshorn knew one of the officers personally – Sheriff’s Sergeant Myron Deckard.
‘’When I came on he kind of took me under his wing as a young police officer. And, of course, we lost him in 2001 to a tragedy. But he was a great guy and everybody in the community that knew him – either on duty or off-duty – had nothing but good to say about him,’’ said Sheriff Hartshorn during an interview with VermilionCountyFirst.com News.
The Sheriff notes it is not as easy these days to find young people who are interested in law enforcement as a career.
‘’One of the things that’s happened across our country – hopefully not so much in our community – but people have stopped honoring this as a profession. And so it’s kind of hard even in the recruiting – to convince people that this is an honorable profession and that the community will thank you for risking your life.’’There were many young officers, however, among those who attended the annual Police Memorial Service today (Thursday) at Sunset Memorial Park.
The ceremony included a Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department Color Guard, a wreath presentation, and a rifle salute by the Danville Police Honor Guard.
Danville Mayor Scott Eisenhauer told the crowd that Sergeant Deckard was overpowered and killed while transporting a prisoner in June of 2001. Danville Police Patrolman David Farnsworth was beaten to death by two men after he made a routine traffic stop in January of 1976, and Danville Police Officer August Lind died after being shot while investigating a burglary report in April of 2008.
A special memorial at Sunset Memorial Park honors those who have served and died.
[**Note: You can enlarge the photos by clicking on them.]
