Heavy hearts and immense gratitude: PCPD hosts annual memorial service
A memorial service was held to honor officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice while in the line of duty.
'It's one of those traditions we never need to let die. It is something that we need to remember throughout history, these officers that have fallen in the line of duty, you know, gave their life to protect others. And they deserve that. They deserve the ability to know that their names will live on in history,' Panama City Police Chief Mark Smith said.
The names of fallen officers in Florida were followed by the ringing of the bell.
'We ring the bell. And it is just an attention to the angels above.'
Keynote speakers reflected on the 147 officers who died in the line of duty in this country in 2024, a shocking 25% increase from the year 2023.
Dr. Irvin Clark moved those in attendance with an empowering speech.
'You stand between safety and chaos. You stand between peace and anarchy. You are the reason we can go to bed at night. confident that trained and dedicated armed forces officers are patrolling our streets while we sleep,' Keynote speaker Dr. Irvin Clark said.
'As you know, he preached up there of standing in the gap between, you know, peace and chaos. And it is so important that the officers realize the need that they fulfill. And, you know, a lot of these officers have participated in this year after year after year, for a lot of these officers it's the first time they've seen such a solemn event,' Smith said.
Chief Smith says he's grateful for the turnout at Thursday's service. It's an event he's participated in for 44 years.
Every year, the event precedes Law Enforcement Appreciation Week. That will be next Monday through Friday.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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