Communities Honor Fallen Law Enforcement at 45th Annual Police Memorial
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WREX) — Communities across Northern Illinois gathered Wednesday night for the 45th Annual Police Memorial, paying tribute to law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. The ceremony, held at Crossroads Community Church in Winnebago, drew families, officers, and loved ones, providing a space for remembrance and reflection.
Detective Lisa Hodges of the Rockford Park District Police stated, “We have families here within our community still dealing with the loss of that loved one. That’s something that never goes away for them.” During the poignant event, the names of nearly 20 fallen officers were read aloud, including Rockford Police K-9 Nyx, who was killed in January.
Former Rockford Police Chief Jeff Nielson highlighted the bittersweet nature of the gathering, saying, “It resurrects a very tragic time in their life, but it’s also good to remember.” The ceremony honored the memory of individuals like Detective Kevin Rice, lost in 2001, showcasing their legacy through shared stories.
To conclude National Police Week, officers will display a tribute at CherryVale Mall this weekend, featuring informational activities and K-9 demonstrations. The annual service assures that the sacrifices made by these dedicated officers will never be forgotten.
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