Several Pea Ridge Police Department officers traveled to Washington, D.C., last week for National Police Week, and law enforcement officers, families of the fallen officers and others from around the nation and world were there to honor and pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Former Pea Ridge Police Officer Kevin Apple's name was placed upon the Memorial Wall.
"Officer Apple embodied everything we stand for: honor, duty, selfless service and courage," Pea Ridge Police Chief Lynn Hahn said.
In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others, Hahn explained.
The cost of the trip was paid by the officers and through donations. There was no cost to the city, Hahn said, explaining that every officer took vacation time to make the trip.
"It's not a city-sponsored trip," he said. "The city is not spending a dime. Everybody is taking vacation time to take the trip."
Courtesy photo A candle lighting ceremony was held on the lawn between the Washington Memorial and the nation’s capitol as part of the National Police Week events held to remember those who had fallen in the line of duty, including former Pea Ridge Police Department Officer Keven Apple. Officers from Pea Ridge participating in the event included (from left) Mindy Fowler, Justin Lawson, Todd Cornwell and Rich Fordham.
Courtesy photo Pea Ridge Police Department Officers (from left), Lynn Hahn, Rich Fordham, Todd Cornwell, Justin Lawson and Mindy Fowler linked arms during one of the events held during National Police Week the week of May 15 in Washington, D.C.