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Traverse City Hosts Police Officers Memorial Ceremony

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It’s a somber remembrance in Traverse City, as the community recognizes National Police Week.

The event started 60 years ago, and along with National Police Officers Memorial Day, it’s a way to remember those officers killed in the line of duty. Now communities all over the country recognize it with special events.

But Grand Traverse County’s ceremony is special. National Police Week gets extra attention in Traverse City. Sheriff’s Office Capt. Chris Clark says, “Locally it actually lets the community know that local law enforcement, they have all accepted the profession: that they are willing to lay down their life for a stranger.”

It brings out the blue and the brown. Captain Clark says in addition to the Sheriff’s Office, “We have the Traverse City Police Department here, we have Michigan State Police here, we have staff from the Grand Traverse County Jail. There could quite possibly be some federal law enforcement officers here as well.”

It’s an important tradition for those who serve.  Traverse City Police Chief Jeff O’Brien says, “This is Police Memorial Week. President Kennedy dubbed Police Memorial Week in 1962. It’s important that we recognize the service that our men and women give to our communities. It’s a sacrifice and so we honor that.”

And it’s especially important in Traverse City, where an officer was killed in the line of duty 24 years ago. Chief O’Brien says Sgt. Dennis Finch was killed during National Police Week, 1998. “D.W. Finch, he was my Sergeant when he passed away just a block from here. We certainly recognize him, his sacrifice, what he’s done for the community. And the impact that he’s had on a generation of police officers. His legacy still lives on.”

Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg was the guest speaker at Wednesday’s ceremony. She referred to law enforcement officers as “colleagues and cherished friends.” She added, “What do you say to those who have sworn to keep the rest of us safe? How do you thank those who work as tirelessly as these men and women do day in and day out?”  She says there aren’t enough words. “All of us gathered here thank each and every one of you.

“Please know that we have the utmost respect for you. You have our deepest gratitude. You are our enforcement officers, counselors, mediators, rescuers, social workers, guardians, and heroes,” Moeggenberg continued.

Chief O’Brien says this event is growing in importance. “I think it’s even more important now than it has been in recent years because of all the discourse that’s been spoken: defunding the police, reinventing police work.” Capt. Clark added, “As busy as our job is, you know, and how negative it can be on occasion, we’re dealing with people when they’re at their worst. This gives us a moment to pause… actually gives us time to recognize those that have, law enforcement that have lost their life in the line of duty.”

The Chief says the negativity takes its toll. “We find it very difficult to get courageous men and women to come into law enforcement. It’s an honor to be a law enforcement officer.” In her speech, Moeggenberg echoed the sentiment. “Becoming a law enforcement officer has always been an enormous responsibility, but recent years have made this calling so much more difficult. Threats of school shootings, gun violence, advances in technology that may help the job but also make it more difficult.

“Unfortunately with that increased difficulty, instead of better pay, higher esteem and more respect, law enforcement officers work under a microscope of scrutiny. Because of perceived wrongs or the misconduct of a small few,” Moeggenberg said.

In addition to thanking the families of law enforcement officers, she spoke directly to those who put on the uniform. “Please know that we have the utmost respect for you. You have our deepest gratitude. You are our enforcement officers, counselors, mediators, rescuers, social workers, guardians, and heroes.”

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