Winslow Police Department remembers fallen officers in annual Memorial Ceremony

On Thursday, May 13 the Winslow Police DepartmentÕs Fraternal Order of Police held their annual Memorial Ceremony at Desert View Cemetery to remember fallen officers from across the country.

WPD Chief of Police Stephen Garnett welcomed those in attendance to the ceremony and encouraged them to pray for officers everywhere.

The ceremony consisted of guest speakers Winslow Mayor Jim Boles and Marie La Mar.

Mayor Jim Boles read the following poem he had written himself titled ÒOur Friends In Blue.Ó

They were watching the crowd to see what it might do

Two friendly faces dressed in police blue.

let the folks have fun, itÕs only a game

And all goes well until we hear that name.

If feeling run too high they will tell them to stop

And some will be angry and call them a dirty cop.

Who are these men and women dressed in blue?

Where did they come from and what do they do?

IÕll say it to you straight, not throw you a curve

They are our friends, sworn to protect and to serve.

Rain or shine they are out everyday

To keep all of us safe and out of harms way.

ItÕs not their purpose to restrict or make us the fool

But to show us by example the Golden Rule.

If duty calls and they must enter harms fray

Without hesitation they will be on the way.

If you think thereÕs no danger, what can I say

Some die in the line of duty each and everyday.

How fortunate we are with friends tried and true

Who wear their shields proudly on their uniforms blue.

So now letÕs pause and reflect for a moment or two

And thank God often for our friend in blue.

Marie La Mar spoke briefly on the officers who work for the Winslow Police Department and explained what each officer did for the department.

The ceremony closed with a reading of names of fallen officers, both in the line of duty and naturally, read by Lt. Conaster.