ADRIAN — A memorial to fallen law enforcement officers took place on May 15 at Oakwood Cemetery in Adrian. Members of law enforcement agencies in Lenawee County, the Michigan State Police, and relatives and friends of fallen officers were part of the crowd of 50 that gathered to pay respect to those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of public safety.

“We make sure that we acknowledge those officers and have a memorial in Lenawee County for those who have given their lives,” said Lenawee County Sheriff Troy Bevier. The annual memorial has been happening for close to 30 years, he added.

The observance included speeches from local officials, a gun salute, the playing of “Taps” and a bagpipe performance of “Amazing Grace.” The flag at Oakwood Cemetery’s peace officers’ memorial was lowered to half-mast during the ceremony. 

The fallen peace officers’ memorial honors eight people, dating back to 1880: Officer Dennis R. Lyons of the Adrian Police Department, Deputy Stanley B. Hoisington of the Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office, Trooper Calvin R. Jones of the Michigan State Police, Trooper Dugald A. Pellot of the Michigan State Police, Constable Richard L. Teske from the village of Clayton, Trooper Rodger M. Adams from the Michigan State Police, Officer Bobby L. Williams from the Adrian Police Department, and Trooper Byron J. Erickson from the Michigan State Police. 

After the ceremony, a luncheon for law enforcement officers was held at Father Williams Hall on the St. Joseph campus of Holy Family Parish. In addition to Holy Family Parish, numerous businesses supported the lunch, including Jersey Mike’s, Mandy Makes n’ Bakes, and Country Market. David Smaw at Shirtz Inc. donated his time in completing the gifts for officers.

May 15 has been designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day in the U.S. every year since 1962.