On Monday, May 9, 2016, the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 7, in Great Mills held its annual Police Memorial to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice as well as remember their fellow law enforcement officers from who have been killed in the line of duty.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office joins other Law Enforcement agencies around the country in recognizing National Police Week, which honors the service and sacrifice of U.S. Law Enforcement Officers.
Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard Members, Sgt. Michael Boyer, Cpl. Brian Gillingham, Cpl. David Alexander, DFC Alvin Beishline and CFC Maurice Gogul, opened the ceremony with the presentation of the colors and the lowering of the flags to half-mast in honor of their fallen brothers and sisters.
Trinity Alexander, daughter of Cpl. David Alexander sang the National Anthem.
FOP Vice President, Scott Ruest began the ceremony with opening remarks and introduction of Sheriff Tim Cameron, who used the FOP emblem, a five-point star, as a reminder of the “allegiance we owe to our Country’s Flag and as a symbol of the authority in which we are entrusted. He added, “It is an honor the people we serve bestow upon us. They place their confidence and trust in us; serve them proudly.”
After opening remarks, President Mike Boyer said, “Today we honor our brothers and sisters who have given the ultimate sacrifice, renew dedication to law enforcement, and give families the opportunity to keep in memory the active and associate members of the Lodge, FOP 7.” He then began reading the names of lodge members who have passed away over the years; a bell rang while each name was read out loud; followed by a reading of the names of associate FOP members who have passed, by Rick Montross, Associate Delegate for FOP 7.
As FOP President Sgt. Mike Boyer concluded the ceremony; the bagpipes played one more time for the men and women who have served, will serve, and continue to serve selflessly in their communities across the country.
Additional photos: http://bit.ly/1smShhz
