Local and area law enforcement gathered at the Greene County Courthouse Thursday to observe of National Police Memorial Day. The memorial service and laying of wreaths was in for fallen officers, deputies, state troopers and rangers.
Greene County Chaplain Danny Ricker opened the memorial:
“Welcome to National Police Officer Memorial Day. As we celebrate and take time to remember our fallen heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice, I’d just like to remind everyone that last year we had 165 line-of-duty deaths across our nation. One is too many. We want everyone to go home safe.
I’d like to read this from President Donald Trump. ‘I called up on all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also call on the governors of the states, and territories, and officials, of all other areas subject to the jurisdiction of United States to direct that the flag be flown at half staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day.” In 1962, if I’m not mistaken, is when they passed the ordinance to have Police Officers Memorial Day and a Police Memorial Week.
We honor our guys and gals through the whole week. And we should always remember them every day. Would you pray. ‘Father, thank you for this time today to come together. that we would honor our guys and gals, and police officers, state troopers, everyone in law enforcement, God. We set aside this time to honor them and their families, Lord. So I pray today, God, you be with us and help us in Jesus’ name. Amen.'”
Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison praised the ongoing service of local law enforcement:
“Today we continue our observances of National Law Enforcement Week, and we come together here in our storied seat of government to thank and acknowledge all of the white hat good guys that are clad in blue that we depend on to maintain our peaceful and orderly society. It is our sacred obligation to honor the incredible men and women who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting our community. We remember, and we mourn those that have made the ultimate sacrifice, and we express our deepest gratitude to all of those who continue to serve with courage and dedication every day.
So let us take this small opportunity to acknowledge the challenges that they face, the rewards, and different struggles that they experience, and the positive impact that they have on all of our lives. Let us also pledge this day to continue supporting our law enforcement, fostering understanding and respect for their important role in our society, and then together, we can ensure that they receive the recognition, the support, and the respect that they deserve. God bless and thank you all for everything you do to all of our law enforcement professions.”
Greeneville Mayor Cal Doty added personal gratitude:
“I just wanted to say thank you to all of your offices here in our community and across the United States.
They put their lives on the line every day, going out, not knowing what they’re going to see, what they’re going to have to face, and dealing with it on day to day basis. I am very proud to be a part of the town of Greeneville. I’m also very proud of our police officers.
I think we’ve got the best in to state. I also want to echo Kevin’s comments, we had two officers [who died] on duty here in the town. Remember them and their families. I also want to remember the families of all the officers for letting their people, their families go out and be able to take care of us. It’s got to be a very, very difficult thing when your husband or wife or child leaves every day, not knowing what’s going to happen.
So I want to thank calling you for your service. I’m very proud of all of you, and let’s keep our town and community safe.”
State Rep. David Hawk (R-Greeneville) spoke on behalf of the state of Tennessee:
“Thank you very much to all of our police officers, our sheriff’s deputies, our highway patrol, our federal law enforcement we have here. On behalf of the state of Tennessee, thank you. What you do in many ways is thankless.
Something I want to recognize is that we’ve made a great investment on the state level in helping educate the next generation of Tennesseans on how to approach law enforcement and how to to engage with law enforcement. Our SRO program, our school resource officers, what we’ve been able to do through our sheriff’s department, through our local grade Police Department, has been incredible. And I say that because when I drop my daughter off at school, 14 years old, I’ve got a tremendous level of comfort, seeing folks there that are there to protect her, number one. And number two, to educate that next generation about what you all do is the focus certain law enforcement.
You look at some other big cities across the country, and I can’t fathom where these de-fund the police initiatives come from because where we live here in the hills of northeast Tennessee, you all are the bedrock of what makes us great here in Northeast Tennessee. To echo the comments from two mayors: the folks that have lost their lives and sacrificed for us.
We can never pay enough tributes to you and to your families, and we will continue to do so year after year after year. Those folks who have lost their lives and service to our community, serving law enforcement. As we go forward, we continue to owe you a debt of gratitude, and we will fulfill that debt.
Thank you very much for your service.”
Chief Deputy David Beverly of the Greene County Sheriff’s Department emphasized the everyday commitment of law enforcement officers:
“Law enforcement plays a central role in maintaining order and safety in our communities, from protecting citizens to solving crimes, building relationships. Police officers carry out their duties to make our society better, and their work often goes unnoticed. Day and night. To those who made the sacrifice across our great state. They patrol our streets, respond to emergencies, and work hard to prevent crime through proactive enforcement. Their dedication goes far beyond wearing a badge.
These officers are also are neighbors. There are coaches, as well as well as volunteers, and they choose to serve others above themselves. They comfort victims, counsel troubled youth, and work tirelessly to keep our streets safe.
We also recognize the families of law enforcement options, through the long hours, the holidays, and the stress that comes with police work. Our family’s support makes impossible for us to focus on our duties. To the families of the fallen heroes: Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Their legacy lives on in the lives that they protected, and in this community that they serve. And in closing to all the current officers: the work you do every day builds upon the legacy of those who served before you. Police officers serve as guardians of peace, defenders of rights, and protectors of the vulnerable. Your professionalism, dedication, and courage, honor the memories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
It is up to you to carry on their mission and also inspire the next generation of law enforcement professionals. May we never take for granted our calling to serve and never forget those who made that element sacrifice. Thank you.”
Greeneville Police Chief Steve Spano reflected on the sacrifice made by fallen officers:
“Thank everybody for showing up today. Friends, families, colleagues. We gather here today in remembrance.
We stand together on this day in a common place to recognize the courage an unwavering dedication of those who have answered their final call.
These were our neighbors, our friends, our parents, our children. They were ordinary people who chose to do an extraordinary job. They walked toward dangers when others fled, stood as a shield against chaos, and embodied the very definition of bravery.
Today, we remember the laughter that is now silent, the dreams that remain unfulfilled, the empty chairs at the family table. We recall their strengths, their compassion, their unwavering commitment to justice. We honor the profound impact they have on our communities and the void their absence left behind. They understood the inherent risk, the long hours, the emotional toll on them. Yet, they persevered, driven by a deep sense of duty and desire to make a difference.
They faced down the worst of humanity so the rest of us could live in peace. Their sacrifice was not just in their final moments, but in every single day. Our hearts also go out that the families left behind. Spouses, children, parents, siblings.
You have born a burden that no one should have to carry. Your strength in the face of the unimaginable is a testament to the love and support that surrounded these heroes. We stand with you today and always offering our own unwavering gratitude and support.
Your loved ones will never be forgotten. As we stand here today, let us not only mourn their loss, but also reaffirm our commitment. A commitment to never forget their sacrifice, a commitment to support those who continue to serve and protect our communities, a commitment to building a society worthy of their ultimate sacrifice, a society built on justice, respect, and peace.
Let the memory of these brave men serve as a constant reminder, the true cause of freedom and the profound courage it takes to uphold the law. Let their legacy inspire us to be better citizens, to support our law enforcement, and to work together to create a safer community for all. Though grief may linger, let us also find strength and unity and hope and remembrance.
May the courage and dedication of our fallen heroes forever shine brightly in our Lord. May their sacrifice in never die in vain. The Greeneville Police Department would like to recognize our officers that have fallen in the past, but will never be forgotten.
Sergeant John Freshour, end of watch, December 15, 1964. Patrolman Linden Bullington, end of watch,
October 16, 1990. Thank you.”
Joe McNulty of the Tennessee Highway Patrol read the names of five troopers who gave their lives in service:
“I’m going to read off five Tennessee State Troopers who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Trooper, Eugene Brakebill, end of watch, October 9, 1966. Sergeant Paul Mooneyham, Sr., end of watch, April 4, 1981. Trooper Douglas Tripp, end of watch, May 19, 1991. Trooper Vince Mullins, end of watch, January 28, 2022.
And Lieutenant Tim Ryan, end of watch, May 6t 2022.”
Tusculum Police Chief Danny Greene offered a heart-felt reflection:
“Thank you for letting me be here today. There’s a profound question, and one that weighs heavily over the heart of our nation and our community, of values and sacrifice and service. When someone gives their life for others, how do we pay a debt that can truly never be repaid?
We honor them with this ceremony. But our gratitude must be more than the ceremony. It must be a commitment.
A promise to carry forward their legacy in the way we live, the way we serve, by those who still value commitment to their duty. I have heard the biggest act of bravery in becoming a law enforcement officer is being sworn in. Everything else is in the line of duty.
Robert E. Lee said, “Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should never do less.”
The old timer’s advice to rookies is ‘the most important thing is you going home safely.’ I understand the meeting, but I humbly disagree. Your job, my job, is making sure the members of my community and your community return home unscathed.
If going home is the most important thing, then why would you ever respond to an elementary school? Why would you respond to Virginia Tech? If going home is the most important thing, why are you going to sound the gunfire at Covenant School in the Nashville?
Why? Because they do their duty, they’re willing to engage with deadly force if necessary, knowing the cost of themselves, but willing to go anyway. We honor those today who understood the assignment, and when someone called, they went, but never came back.
For those men, women, it is over. Their name is on the wall. We honored them on this stage, but we must remember that honoring these fallen heroes is not just about today.
It’s about every day. Their sacrifice is not meant to be frozen in time, merely reflected upon once a year. For those of you that are living with someone in your life that answered that call, and those you still answer the call every day, I closed with Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
Chaplain Ricker closed the ceremony by reminding officers and families of their shared bonds:
“As I look over the audience here today and remember years ago, as I started out as chaplain, everyone in uniform here today or even if you’re not in uniform [and] you’re an officer here, – I don’t see just officers. I see friends that stay in my heart. And I want you to know that we love you. We’ve got your backs. Again, we’re thankful. We’re thankful for the ones that made the ultimate sacrifice. We’re so thankful for them. Take care of yourself. Make it home. Thank you for the job that you do, thank you for running toward the things that everybody else runs from. Again, we sincerely mean it, we love you.
Let us pray. God once again, we thank you so much for the men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice. God, we pray for their families, that you should comfort them, as we know they never forget. Let us never forget. And God, let us never forget the ones that are here. We thank you for having your hand on the state, and thank you for having your hand on our city and county. We give you honor and glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thank you for being here today. God bless you.”
