In Remembrance

The Officers listed here are those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities throughout the Department's history.

We would also like to offer special condolences to the New York City Police and Fire Departments who lost fellow officers in the World Trade Center tragedy. Please take a minute to say a prayer for all these officers, their families and those that remain behind and continue to serve.

In recognition of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice...

At a time when the law enforcement profession finds itself embittered and embattled, it is noteworthy that we, the Police Family, are still a community, a community within a community, that embraces rituals a way of keeping a story alive. To borrow from retired Prince George's County Police Lieutenant Dennis Cambell, Rituals carry us on a "Journey Through Time" - connecting the past with our future, and creating a new world of hope.

During National Police Week, we are immersed in the healing power of ritual, as painful as each individual journey is. On the Wall, the inscription, Martin Douglas Chivas, a wreath and a note: “Marty, it has been 25 years since your sacrifice. Your family at the Troy Police Department has not forgotten". When we are in the company of heroes, we are to remember.

For some the recollections are as fresh today as the moment your world was turned upside down. Words fail to adequately describe the pain that resonates from places most of us have yet to travel. Dwight Eisenhower, in a letter to his brother, confessed, "it is not weak or squeamish to lose sleep over these lives. I cannot see all their faces, but sometimes I try to put myself in their place" (Taken from remarks made at a 1998 FOP Memorial Service by Joe Rollo).

In this day and age, the word "hero" is easily used. Too easily used. But there can be no other word to used describe police officers - every single one of us. And the usage of the word "hero" certainly even falls short when describing our fallen comrades.

The year 2001 was one of the most deadliest in law enforcement history. In addition to the 70 officers who died at the World Trade Center, another 158 officers died in the line of duty last year. Those 228 deaths represent the sixth deadliest year in law enforcement history. In the history of the Prince George's County Police Department, we have lost 22 members in the line of duty.

In honor of all fallen Prince George's County Police Officers, a memorial decal has been created to be placed on all marked vehicles. We remember and appreciate. This decal is dedicated to the Prince George's County Police Officers who made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.

Lest we forget the sacrifices that made necessary the creation of this:
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

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