ABOVE: Police Chief Yates and Sheriff Hartshorn salute as the Color Guard retires the colors at the end of Wednesday morning’s Police Memorial Service at Sunset Memorial Park.
After a rainy night and foggy morning, the sun came out in plenty of time for Wednesday (May 14th) morning’s annual Police Memorial Service at Sunset Memorial Park. Sheriff Pat Hartshorn said prior to the ceremony that, usually, that’s exactly how it works out on this special day.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: We’ve had a couple of years, over the 25 or so we’ve been doing this, that we had to move inside. But, most generally, it’s a pretty nice day for us.
Danville Police Chief Christopher Yates says he goes into this ceremony every year knowing he’s seen it before. But the strong feelings, and the importance of it, always come back again.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: It is such a humbling experience, especially knowing some of these officers, and understanding what sacrifices they made; as well as the sacrifices for all men and women that put the uniform on every day, and the risks that they take, and the courage that they show, to do their jobs and protect the communities.
Danville Police Department Chaplain Vickie McCarty and Danville’s Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr take their turns addressing the Police Memorial Service attendees.
Sheriff Hartshorn worked with two of the three deceased law enforcement officers, who are honored on this day every year.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: With the exception of August Lind, the officer that was killed in the early 1900s, I worked with the other two officers that are being honored here today; Farnsworth and Deckard. So yes, I actually worked with them on the street; and have a fond memory of them.
August Lind lost his life in line of service in 1908, David Farnsworth in 1976, and Myron Deckard in 2001.
