KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — May 15 is a national day of remembrance meant to honor and memorialize law enforcement officers who die in the line of duty. It's known as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and this year it falls in the middle of Police Week, running from May 12 through May 18.
On Wednesday, communities across East Tennessee organized memorial events honoring deputies and police officers. President Joe Biden also issued a proclamation marking Peace Officers Memorial Day, and National Police Week. Peace Officers Memorial Day was first signed into law by then-President John F. Kennedy in 1962.
"I call upon all Americans to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities and salute our Nation’s brave law enforcement officers and remember their peace officer brothers and sisters who have given their last full measure of devotion in the line of duty," the proclamation said.
Flags also flew at half-staff on May 15, honoring those who lost their lives.
In Oak Ridge, community leaders gathered at the Municipal Building Courtroom. The memorial started at 9 a.m. and Charles Smith, the Oak Ridge Chief of Police, said remembrance was key to successful law enforcement. All members of the public were invited to attend the event.
"The people who we survived, the ones that we're able to, every day, go out and do things because they're no longer here. So, we respect them," he said.
Law enforcement leaders in Sevierville also said every life was important, and said it's always tough when an officer loses their life. The Sevierville Police Department placed flags at gravesides as part of its memorial service, memorializing the law enforcement officers interred across Sevier County. The program began in 2014 by a Sevier County Sheriff's Office detective, and the police department helps with the flag placement.
The service was held at SPD Wednesday morning, with an honor guard and a memorial wreath representing ten law enforcement deaths across Tennessee over the last 12 months.
The Knoxville Police Department also honored its officers for National Police Week and said a few members of its police force attended a Monday night candlelight vigil in Washington D.C.
In Maryville, Blount County leaders honored fallen officers at another police memorial. Tony Crisp, the Maryville Chief of Police, said the event was especially impactful for the community. It comes months after Greg McCowan, a Blount County Sheriff's Office deputy, was fatally shot during a traffic stop.
"The particular service means a lot to us, because it's on the heels of the February fatal shooting of deputy Greg McCowan, with the sheriff's office," said Crisp.
James Berrong, the Blount County Sheriff, retired McCowan's badge during the ceremony.
