Under somewhat threatening skies that never opened up, the traditional Police Memorial Ceremony was held Thursday (May 9th) morning at Sunset Memorial Park. Sheriff Pat Hartshorn stated afterwards that it’s wonderful what this event has become since the police and sheriff’s departments combined their efforts.
ABOVE: Vermilion County Sheriff Pat Hartshorn and Danville Police Chief Christopher Yates listen as Reverend Frank McCullough speaks.
AUDIO: The ceremony has definitely grown over the years. We started this when the Danville Police Department had their own separate ceremony for their officers, and we had a separate ceremony for our officer. And we combined 20 some years ago. And now I look out over the crowd, and it’s become a community event, not just a departmental event.
(1st Picture) Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr reads names of those being honored for their sacrifices. (3rd Picture) Police Chief Yates and Sheriff Hartshorn after making annual wreath presentations.
As always, the three remembered are, from the Danville Police Department, Patrolman David Farnsworth, who lost his life in the line of duty in 1976; and Officer August Lind, who lost his life in 1908. Also honored is Vermilion County Sheriff’s Sergeant Myron Deckard, who died in 2001. Reading their names was Danville’s Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr.
AUDIO: As Pastor McCullough said, there is no greater love than this, than a man lay down his life for a friend. But imagine laying down your life for people that you don’t know. Imagine going to help someone, and instead you’re met with gunfire and lose your life. We do not take their sacrifice in vain. And it’s important we honor their memory, and also love and respect and take care of those whom they left behind.
Next week, May 12th through May 18th, will be National Police Week.
