By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post
Local law enforcement personnel, city and county officials, and citizens gathered in Salina's Jerry Ivey Memorial Park this morning for the 2023 Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony.
The annual event pays tribute to Salina Police Department, Saline County Sheriff's Office, and Kansas Highway Patrol personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. They include the following.
Officer John Stonebraker
Death by gunfire during an arrest on Feb. 12, 1917
Officer Tom Carson
Death by gunfire during an arrest on Nov. 29, 1920
Officer Olney E. Eaton
Death by traffic accident on May 31, 1942
Officer Jerry R. Ivey
Death by gunfire during an arrest on June 13, 1975
Sheriff Fred Bell
Died of a heart attack during a courtroom struggle with an alleged murderer on Sept. 17, 1952
Trooper Maurice R. Plummer
Died in a traffic accident on Dec. 16, 1944
Trooper Jimmie Jacobs
Died in a traffic accident on Oct. 6, 1959
Trooper John McMurray
Died in a traffic accident on Dec. 9, 1964
Lieutenant Bernard Hill
Died in a traffic accident on May 28, 1967
Sergeant Eldon Miller
Death by gunfire on Jan. 19, 1968
Trooper James D. Thornton
Death by gunfire on Oct. 2, 1973
Trooper Conroy O'Brien
Death by gunfire on May 24, 1978
Trooper Ferdinand "Bud" Pribbenow
Death by gunfire on July 11, 1981
Master Trooper Larry L. Huff
Died from injuries from a traffic accident on Nov. 3, 1993
Master Trooper Dean Goodheart
Died after being struck by a motor vehicle on Sept. 6, 1995
The ceremony began with the presentation of colors by the Salina Police Department Honor Guard. Salina South High School's New Dawn singers performed the National Anthem. Terry Ferguson provided bagpipe music.
During the ceremony Salina Mayor Mike Hoppock paid tribute to the fallen law enforcement personnel and thanked law enforcement personnel who currently serve.
"Joining together today, we show our appreciation for the heroism of those who have lost their lives in the call of duty. We all must recognize that our public safety, our freedom, and our prosperity are bought at a price," Hoppock said. "We know that the people of Salina, Saline County, and the State of Kansas are safe because our law enforcement officers are willing to face danger. We can only rest easy because they never rest. And we can only dwell in peace because they stand between us and the danger that lurks in our society."
Hoppock continued, "To the family, friends, and fellow officers of those who have lost their lives in the call of duty, you have been called upon to bear a special burdon. There is no speech or ceremony that could ease the pain of your loss. We gather here this morning to honor and pay tribute to their courage and to fill your hearts with our community's gratitude."
The ceremony concluded with Gary Keil playing Taps.
Following are some additional photos from the event.
View the ceremony courtesy the City of Salina: