Law enforcement memorial service held in Augusta

Salute by Maine State Troopers. (photo by Mark Huard)

by Mark Huard

Maine’s law enforcement members who lost their lives in the line of duty were honored on Tuesday, May 14.

The annual observance at the Maine Law Enforcement Officers Memorial was held in Augusta at the granite memorial near the State Capitol, and dedicated to the fallen officers that were killed in the line of duty.

The memorial has the names of 88 law enforcement officers, some dating back to the 1800s. Officers from across the state, families of the fallen, and other special speakers including Governor Janet Mills.

“We grieve the loss of friends, family, and neighbors taken from us through this violence. May we also pause in solemn gratitude that we need not add another name for this memorial today,” said Mills during her address. “As district attorney, as a private attorney, as your attorney general, and now as your governor, please know that I see the unexpected risks that each of you take when you report to duty every day. I see the sacrifice of your loved ones, waiting to know if you will come home safely. And I see the spirit of our fallen officers embodied in your commitment to serve our community and to keep this state the safest place in the nation to live, work, and raise a family.”

Despite all the differences fallen officers hold in their stories, Mills united them under one principle: “A principle that governed how they upheld the law, a promise to practice integrity, fairness, respect, and compassion in the 1,000 daily acts they performed on behalf of the Maine people. As they patrolled our roads, guarded our cities and towns, our woods, lakes, bays, and skies, always ready for that one urgent call that may mean the difference between life and death.”

Maine State Troopers honor their fallen comrades. (photo by Mark Huard)