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HomeNewsClarksville remembers fallen Officers during Police Memorial Day Ceremony

Clarksville remembers fallen Officers during Police Memorial Day Ceremony

Clarksville Police Department - CPDClarksville, TN – A crowd of about seventy people gathered at Clarksville Police Headquarters this morning to observe Police Memorial Day and to honor the lives of those gave all for their community.

Clarksville Police Chief Al Ansley thanked those who attended and read a letter from a citizen thanking local officers for their courage and protection. He reminded the audience of the many officers who have already been killed this year and how they received so much less coverage and attention than those rare officers who are accused of misconduct.

Fallen Officers remembered at Clarksville Police Memorial Day Ceremony.
Fallen Officers remembered at Clarksville Police Memorial Day Ceremony.

Ansley ended with these words: “We are truly appreciative of the support that we receive from this community and we are honored to serve you.”

Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan stressed the quality of local personnel, stating, “Our officers are among the best prepared in the nation.” At one point she spoke directly to the many law enforcement officers in the crowd: “We hold you in our hearts and in our prayers; not just today, but every day.”

Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett stated in his remarks how much respect he had for fallen Deputy David ‘Bubba’ Johnson who was killed in a vehicle crash last year.

Attorney General John Carney spoke of the dedication and sacrifice of his profession, and the Fort Campbell Chaplain, Colonel Terry Austin, spoke to attendees of the words of President Calvin Coolidge: “A nation which forgets its protectors will itself be forgotten.”

Montgomery County Sheriff Department Chaplain Ted Denny reminded the audience that the silent killer of law enforcement officers is stress. Denny noted that the average life expectancy in the United States is 72 years for men, 78 years for women, and only 60 years for peace officers. Denny stood in for Montgomery County Sheriff John Fuson who is attending the National Police Memorial Ceremony in Washington D.C. this week.

A memorial wreath was brought forward and new flowers were added to the wreath in memory of those officers who died in the line of duty.

One of the widows was comforted by others as she cried quietly while the sound of ‘Taps’ was heard in the distance. It was a somber and gentle reminder that the families of fallen officers pay a terrible price, too.

“It’s kinda sad to hear the number police officers that have lost their lives in the line of duty then to here the names of the folks here locally,” stated Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett. “Whether it’s a baby crying or shots fired, they don’t ask any questions, they go and do their jobs and they do it with honor and integrity. It takes a very special person to be that person.”

“It’s always a somber occasion but its one which we have to do to pay tribute and honor those who have given their life to keep us safe. And also to honor those that do it each and every day as we move forward in our city,” said Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan.

Clarksville Police Chief Al Ansley stated, “I appreciate the attendance. I think it went well. I am grateful for the support from this community that we always get.”

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