DECATUR -- With all the negative headlines in the news media in recent weeks concerning our nation's law enforcement agencies, it is easy to forget the other side of the equation: how many police officers have given their lives to uphold the law in this nation!
According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, more than 20,789 law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty since 1791. Two hundred and fifty of those died in the state of Arkansas. Over the last 10 years, a staggering 1,439 officers have been killed in the line of duty in the U.S. In 2015 alone, 123 died in the line of duty.
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Police Officers' Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week.
At the end of the May 10 Decatur city council meeting, Mayor Bob Tharp read a proclamation establishing May 15 as a day to remember all the Decatur law enforcement officers that have died in the line of duty and the officers still patrolling the streets of Decatur.
A city proclamation said: "It is important that all citizens know and understand the problems, duties and responsibilities of their police department, and that members of our police department recognize their duty to serve the people by safeguarding life and property, by protecting them against violence, or disorder, and by protecting the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression or intimidation; and the Police Department of Decatur has grown to be a modern and scientific law-enforcement agency which unceasingly provides a vital public service."
In honor of those who have given of themselves for the protection of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, all flags in Decatur flew at half staff May 15.
Two Decatur law enforcement officers paid the ultimate sacrifice while on patrol. Decatur Constable Kenneth Setser lost his life on June 5, 1951, near his home on Roller Ave. Decatur Police Chief Richard Duncan died in the line of duty Aug. 13, 1998, as a result of a head-on collision on Highway 102 near Decatur (his K-9, in the car at the time, stayed by Duncan's side until help arrived).
"We, as citizens of Decatur, need to remember Setser and Duncan and the family members who suffered the loss of these remarkable law enforcement officers," Tharp said. "To those family members goes a heartfelt thanks for your sacrifice.
"Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every time they go out on patrol. Next time you see any law enforcement officer, be sure to let them know how much they are appreciated. Thank you," Tharp said.
General News on 05/25/2016