Published on Tuesday, May 16, 2006
in the Citrus County Chronicle

Law enforcement honors fallen brethren

As the motorcycle deputy-led motorcade neared the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, the black hearse rolled to a stop near a line of law enforcement officers standing at attention.

A procession of men and women pulled three wreaths from the hearse as they made the slow walk to a gazebo overlooking the water, while a recording of “Amazing Grace” broke the silence. With a message of “We will never forget our departed officers” on one wreath, Monday’s gathering at Cooter Pond in Inverness wasn’t a funeral, but a reminder of a dangerous profession and to not forget the fallen.

An assembly of local police officers, sheriff’s deputies and others joined members of the National Association of Retired Law Enforcement Officers as part of National Peace Officers Memorial Day. Association chairman Andrew J. Tarpey reminded everyone they were there “to remember those who gave their lives so that others in the community can live in safety.”

While no officers have been killed in the line of duty in Florida this year, Chaplain Andrew Freund said 466 names were added to a police office memorial during a national ceremony Sunday in Washington, D.C.

Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Tod Cloud read “A Part of America Died,” a poem that he heard 10 years ago at a similar ceremony. Cloud recited lines from the poem that talked of a police officer being killed.

“Now his ghost walks the beat on a dark city street, and he stands at each new rookies’ side. He answered the call, of himself gave his all, and a very good part of America died,” the poem’s last stanza read.

Amid other poems and reflection were song and prayer, and an honor guard from American Legion Post 155 in Crystal River fired their rifles three times in respect, while a recording of “Taps” played. A collection of retired law enforcement officers from across the country looked on, including some from the New York-New Jersey Port District, Fish and Wildlife Commission and Department of Transportation.

For many at the ceremony, emotions were all too visible, from Cloud’s choked voice as he read the poem, to others wiping tears from their eyes. Before the ceremony, some, like retired police officer Bob Treacy, talked about the importance of keeping memories alive.

The former Indianapolis, Ill., officer lost several friends in the line of duty.

“It’s a great sense of loss because you are such a great family,” Treacy said.

Marion County sheriff’s Sgt. Dennis Joiner and Cpl. Danny Rosa said they were honored to be a part of remembering those who gave their lives to protect others, including fellow deputy Brian Litz, who was killed Feb 7, 2004, trying to talk to an unstable individual.

“In my eyes,” Joiner added, “everybody that does this job and does it well … you couldn’t have a more honorable or noble job in the world.”