GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., (May 15, 2014) – To commemorate Peace Officers Memorial Day, an annual ceremony was held Thursday to honor officers around West Michigan who have been killed in the line of duty.
The program, which was held inside the Grand Rapids Police Department due to the weather, paid tribute to officers from the 1800’s, up until the two most recent casualties: Kalamazoo Public Safety Officer Eric Zapata and Walker Police Officer Trevor Slot.
Roses were placed in front of the memorial in the GRPD lobby. Memorial scholarships in honor of Officer Slot and Grand Rapids office Joe Taylor were also handed out to several recipients.
“It certainly is very meaningful to me,” Grand Rapids Police Chief Kevin Belk told FOX 17 News. “We want the families to know that we will never forget the sacrifice they have provided by us.”
