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‘We’d never forget’ — Fallen officers honored at annual memorial service

Posted at 11:15 PM, May 10, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-10 23:15:22-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Officers gathered outside the Gerald R. Ford Museum for a memorial service to honor men and women killed in the line of duty over the years. Families of officers who’ve given the ultimate sacrifice were also in attendance.

“This is just a chance for us to show our respect for what they did to sacrifice [their lives],” said Grand Rapids Police Department Sgt. Al Noles.

The annual event recognized 32 men and women who have lost their lives since 1895. The majority of the officers worked for West Michigan law enforcement agencies, while others were West Michigan natives killed while working for departments out of state.

As each officer’s name was called, another officer walked down the aisle with a rose and placed it alongside other roses. A salute was then given after each placement.

“We promised them and their families when they lost them that we would never forget,” Noles said, “and this is what we do every year to ensure every year that we don’t forget the sacrifice they made for our communities.”