Officer salutes photo of fallen office Ashey Guindon who died on her first day we Prince William Police in February of 2016.Submitted by Prince William County Government Office of Communications
Recently, police officers from across the area, their friends, families and colleagues recently gathered at the Dr. A.J. Ferlazzo Building in Prince William to remember 17 law enforcement officials who lived or worked in Prince William County and died in the line of duty.
Major Jarad Phelps, of the Prince William County Police spoke of the sacrifices police officers make, the danger they face daily, and the passion they bring to their work.
"Their lives made a difference not only to their family, friends or coworkers; they made a difference because they … remind each of us what it means to be a law enforcement officer."
Prince William County Police Officer Walter O'Neal said families of fallen officers should be kept in mind.
"As we reflect tonight and the rest of the week on the officers that have fallen here in Prince William County and throughout the world, we must remember the oath that we took and we must remember … the family members who are still carrying on despite what they're going through."
Prince William County Police Chief Barry Barnard encouraged people to remember the fallen by talking about them and the lives they led. "I think it's so special when we do what we can to talk about them, to mention their names to tell the stories."
Barnard went on to say that fallen officers should be remembered apart from the formal ceremonies.
"We have memorial services and we have plaques and we have awards and we remember how they died. However they died, what's really important - the reason we're … here today - is to remember how they lived, and to remember them for who they were … and to honor their memories."
The 17 fallen heroes honored at the ceremony, which was hosted by the Prince William County Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, included:
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