By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post
In the very park named in honor of Salina's last fallen police officer, law enforcement personnel, community leaders, and members of the public gathered Wednesday morning to remember those who died in the line of duty.
The 2022 Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony got under way at 8 a.m. Wednesday in Jerry Ivey Memorial Park, 2465 Edward Street.
Salina Police Chief Brad Nelson thanked those in the crowd for attending the ceremony.
"The officers that you see today greatly appreciate your presence at today's event. In the present climate, we find ourselves in, your support for these officers is paramount in the their day to day mental and physical well-being," Nelson said.
Part of the ceremony included the Table Setting for the Fallen, during which members of the Salina Police Department Honor Guard placed symbolic items on a table in tribute to fallen officers.
"As we gather today, I would like to draw your attention to our special table," Officer Laura Faulk said. "The table is set for one. The empty space represents all officers who have fallen in the line of duty. While a setting such as this is used to honor the fallen members of our military, our nation's heroes, a select few have answered another call, one of daily self-sacrifice to protect others. These heroes are the ones sacrificing their family time, working long hours, and rushing into danger when others flee: our law enforcement officers."
Later in the ceremony, Salina Mayor Trent Davis also talked of law enforcement officers' sacrifices and all that they are asked to do. Following are his remarks.
The job title: Law Enforcement Officer. The job requirements: Watchman, supervisor, director, counselor, sympathizer, consoler, mentor, improviser, strategist, negotiator, gentle yet persuasive, athlete, unafraid, and generally, Superman. We ask them to give 110 percent all the time, no matter what side of the bed they get out of in the morning. We ask for respect for everyone, knowing that not everyone woke up with good in their heart that day. We ask for full concentration, even when their middle school aged child's science project is due in 24 hours. We ask them to walk lightly but carry a big stick, yet also in a split second to balance "innocent 'til proven guilty" with "probable cause" with "implicit bias" with "reasonable force" and, most importantly with "self-preservation." In the 2000s, we've asked them to learn that concepts of "Cultural Competency," "Bias Awareness," and "De-escalation" can potentially save more lives than marksmanship.
Yet, we ask them to accept being relatively defenseless against the first strike of unprovoked and unexpected aggressive actions. We expect these brave people, whose dreams and fears are no different from our own, to fill out the uniform and wear the badge to accept the risk that a routine day at the office can dash the future plans they share with their own family. We forget their real names: Honey, Sweetheart, Coach, Daddy, Mommy, Sis, Brother, Son, Daughter. It is difficult to express the full gratitude we owe the families of the officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for Salina, Saline County, and the State of Kansas. Let us not forget the obligation we have to prepare and provide our current officers with the tools, talents, and cooperation to assure that each one makes it home safely to his or her family every night. Salina and Saline County: thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
During the ceremony the names of Salina Police Department, Saline County Sheriff's Office, and Kansas Highway Patrol personnel who died in the line of duty were read aloud. Those fallen officers are as follows.
Salina Police Department
Officer John Stonebraker died by gunfire during an arrest on Feb. 12, 1917.
Officer Tom Carson died by gunfire during an arrest on Nov. 29, 1920.
Officer Olney E. Eaton died in a traffic accident while on duty, May 31, 1942.
Officer Jerry Ivey died by gunfire during an arrest on June 13, 1975.
Saline County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff Fred Bell, died of a heart attack on Sept. 17, 1952, after a courtroom struggle with an alleged murderer.
Kansas Highway Patrol
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 died by gunfire on Jan. 19, 1968.
Trooper James D. Thorton died by gunfire on Oct. 2, 1973.
Trooper Conroy O'Brien died by gunfire, May 24, 1978.
Trooper Ferdinand "Bud" Pribbenow died by gunfire on July 11, 1981.
Master Trooper Larry L. Huff died from injuries suffered in a traffic accident on Nov. 3, 1993. He died Nov. 26, 1993.
Master Trooper Dean Goodheart was fatally injured when struck by a vehicle while he was performing a motor carrier safety inspection on Sept. 6, 1995.
The opening and closing prayers were offered by Pastor Loren Houltberg.
Music was provided by the Salina South High School New Dawn Singers, Terry Ferguson on the bag pipes, and Zachary Salas playing Taps.