About 50 people gathered on the lawn north of the Culbertson Fountain in downtown Paris to mourn the loss of Lamar County law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.
Reno Police Chief Jeremy Massey invited the pastor of the First Christian Church, Barry Loving, to hold the ceremony.
The color guard, made up of Paris police officers and Lamar County sheriff’s deputies, displayed their colors, followed by the national anthem by Shannon Jones. A memorial wreath was placed in front of the lectern by representatives from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Paris Municipal Police Department, and the Lamar County Sheriff’s Department.
Lamar County Sheriff Scott Kass said the Lamar County Commissioner’s Court issued a statement on May 8 marking the memorial service. “In every way, with this proclamation, we want to honor and pay tribute to our deceased heroes,” Kass said. “We also recognize and honor the brave men and women who wear badges and guns today to serve and protect our communities, cities and neighborhoods, not just in Lamar County, but throughout this country. By 2023, 42 law enforcement officers have died across the country at the time of the ceremony.
The names of 13 police officers who were killed while on duty in Lamar County were read by representatives from their respective departments.
“Most of us stop, grieve, send flowers and cards, and go back to normal life. said. “I don’t know a single law enforcement officer who hasn’t had a conversation with his partner saying, ‘If something happens to me, please take care of my family,'” Salter said, his voice trembling.
Lamar County casualties also include Lamar County Deputy Sheriff Matt Greene, who died on March 1, 1867. Paris police officer William Albright, died December 4, 1874. Lamar County Sheriff James Black, died November 16, 1884. Lamar County Deputy Sheriff Henry Clay Davis, died December 27, 1885. Blossom City Marshal Ben J. Hill, died October 19, 1902. Paris police officer William Cliff Schultz, died March 6, 1904. Lamar County 1st Precinct Deputy Constable William Robert Draper, died February 5, 1909. Paris Police Officer Duane Cross, died July 20, 1920. Lamar County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy George Robertson, died September 10, 1940. Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Attorney Delbert Pearson, died January 18, 1973. Paris Police Officer David Roberts, died September 21, 1985. Texas Department of Public Safety Officer Jeffrey Nichols, who died March 26, 2016, and Paris Police Department Chris Widner, who died August 22, 2021.
The memorial service was held as part of the Memorial Day for Peace Officers, established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962 as part of Police Week. The week concludes with the annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner at Paris I Church on Friday and a rescheduled Memorial Walk at Reno Kiwanis Park on Saturday at 9:00 am.
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