Police officers from across Vermilion County gathered at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville today (Thursday) to remember those who had – years ago – fallen in the line of duty. Bill Pickett has more….
Reverend Frank McCullough reflected on the occasion as he addressed the crowd…
{AUDIO: ‘’We gather to honor the fallen and to publicly acknowledge their last full measure of devotion. The devotion reflects what Jesus Christ said in John 15 and 13 – ‘Greater love have no man than this that a man will lay down his life for a friend.’’’}
Vermilion County Sheriff Pat Hartshorn says it’s important to hold the annual ceremony….
{AUDIO: ‘’We have an awful lot of young officers on our department today and many of them never worked with the people who we’re honoring out here. And so to keep that connection that we honor those that have fallen in the line of duty, and to keep them aware that it is real that this can happen. And so it’s a very important day, and it’s also important because we have such a good community turnout – people who come every year – to honor our fallen officers.’’}
The Sheriff says local law enforcement officers need to realize how dangerous their career choice can be…
{‘’I actually worked with both of the officers that were honored here today – so it’s very real.}
Danville Police Chief Chris Yates noted the ceremony honored more than local officers…
{AUDIO: ‘’It’s not just an important date just to remember these, but also all the officers across the nation who provided their services and gave the ultimate sacrifice. You know, last year…in 2022…I believe we lost 246 officers in the line of duty across the nation. And that’s just sort of a testament to the devotion and dedication the officers across the country provide.’’}
And Chief Yates described what he tells new officers…
{AUDIO: ‘’Think about what we’re doing here…what our mission is, and what we’re willing to do to improve the quality of life for our community and the citizens of our community. It’s very important to us. We take it personal whenever we see different people become victims of different crimes. And we’re constantly trying to figure out how we can improve ourselves to prevent that.’’}
The local officers who were remembered during the ceremony are Vermilion County Sheriff’s Sergeant Myron Deckard, who died June 6, 2001….and Danville Police Officers David Farnsworth, who died January 27, 1976 and August Lind, who was killed in the line of duty on April 10, 1908.
The sound of bagpipes concluded the service at Sunset Memorial Park on Danville’s north side….
