Fallen Officers Honored At Memorial Service
By Luke Anderson landerson@post-journal.com
POSTED: May 16, 2008
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During his remarks at the memorial service, Rater reflected on a friend who was killed in the line nearly 30 years ago. Rater, Jamestown police chief/public safety director, said his friend, a state trooper, was off duty one night when he offered to help a colleague pick up a mental health patient. He was shot and killed.
Rater was also reminded of the dangerous situations officers find themselves in every day that, by fortune, do not result in injury or death.
‘‘For every officer who dies on the job across the country, hundreds and thousands of times officers are placed in situations that could result in their death,’’ Rater said.
Area police officers gathered Thursday morning to honor their fallen comrades in a ceremony on Tracy Plaza.
The memorial service was held in observation of Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, held May 15 each year since a proclamation in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy established the observance.
Ray Mitchell, Chautauqua County Jail chaplain, provided the invocation and benediction and honored officers who have been killed in the line of duty.
‘‘They stood in harm’s way to keep the streets safe and our freedom secure,’’ Mitchell said.
Capt. Barry Swanson of the JPD said police officers don’t just enforce the laws, but work to ensure quality of life for citizens.
‘‘We join our colleagues across the country in formally recognizing the dedication and commitment of our officers and law enforcement officials, who continue to serve our community,’’ Swanson said.
Speakers reminded those in attendance that a police officer may have his life threatened on any given day, and 200 officers were killed in the line of duty last year.
‘‘Regardless of how well trained, equipped and experienced an officer may be, he or she is often in harm’s way,’’ said John LaMancuso, city court judge.
Peace Officers’ Memorial Day falls during Police Week, and all the speakers at the service expressed their gratitude for the work of police officers, firefighters and other peace officers, particularly in view of the fact they often put their lives at risk in service to their communities.
