Between the rumble of traffic on Canada Street and the lapping of Lake George against her shores, the somber notes of a lone piper drifted through Shepard Park. Law enforcement officers, their families and the public gathered in the park Sunday to pay tribute to officers slain in the line of duty. The Memorial Service was the closing event of LEO Weekend, which brought more than 100 officers and their families to Lake George this weekend.
Village Mayor Robert Blais, in his opening remarks, welcomed the law enforcement officers to Lake George. “Each year we host over 100 different organizations, not-for-profit groups and corporations. Nothing is more satisfying to me than this week when we host the Law Enforcement Officers’ Weekend,” Blais said. He noted that the work of law enforcement allows us to enjoy the surrounding beauty in peace and tranquility. “Whatever we’ve done this week to show you our appreciation, it isn’t enough.”
It has been a deadly year for law enforcement. LEO Weekend founder Austin Glickman read the roll of officers that have been killed in the line of duty so far this year. With the mid-point of 2018 still two weeks away, the list Glickman read had 72 names. The most recent were two Kansas City, Kansas Sheriff Deputies slain over the weekend. The number of fallen officers, says Glickman, has increased from the same time last year by 1%.
Former Warren County District Attorney Kate Hogan gave the Keynote Address. “As I sat and listened to the 72 names being read,” said Hogan, “I couldn’t help but think of how lucky we were to have those who every day got up and put on a uniform knowing that they were putting their lives on the line.” Hogan wondered aloud why so many were willing to put themselves in harm’s way to serve others. “Why would anyone want to become a police officer? I came to the conclusion that it’s because there are scores and scores, and hundreds and legions of very good, noble people who know we need members of law enforcement to protect us in our day-to-day lives.”
Hogan asked those in attendance to show their appreciation by publically thanking those who wear the uniform. “If a police officer ever does anything to help you, write him or her a thank-you note, and then write a letter to the editor,” Hogan urged. “I think that, collectively, we can raise the watermark, so it won’t be just us appreciating the people who put their lives on the line and the families who sacrifice holidays and the certainty of knowing whether their loved ones will come home at the end of their shift.”
Caldwell Presbyterian Church Pastor Ali Trowbridge gave the closing prayer. Glickman announced that the next LEO Weekend is planned for July 2019. Details will be announced on the LEO Weekend website and Facebook page.