The family bond that links law enforcement officers and departments may not have been more noticeable than what was witnessed at Emporia’s annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service on Wednesday.
For the first time, at least in recent memory, the family tie linking the Emporia Police Department’s present to the Kansas Highway Patrol’s past was highlighted. Police Officer Justin Hill is the grandson of the late trooper Ferdinand “Bud” Pribbenow, who was killed during a traffic stop on the Kansas Turnpike in 1981. Hill’s mother, Toyia Bulla, was the event’s featured speaker. She said Pribbenow exemplified the ideals of the Highway Patrol.
She also praised Hill, saying he honors Pribbenow’s memory every day. Bulla also read a prayer for protection to close out her time at the podium.
In addition, Police Sgt. Lisa Sage honored the memory of Alexis Garcia, a Rooks County corrections officer who was allegedly killed by her husband — and who was the sister of current Emporia Police Officer Harley Arnold.
Sage said officers join the force because of their willingness to serve and their passion to care for others.
Already, over 30 law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty this calendar year. Over 50 officers have been killed nationwide in the past 12 months.
Besides a reading of the names of officers killed both within the last decade across Kansas and from the last 130 years in Lyon and Greenwood counties, the service included Taps, an honor guard, a rendition of Amazing Grace and prayers from Victory Fellowship Pastor Mike Stubbs, with a balloon release following the formal ceremony.
Click below for the full audio:
Area law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty
Lyon County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy James Spillman. Died Aug. 4, 1881, after being stabbed
Sheriff Walter Davis. Died Aug. 16, 1916, after being shot
Burlingame Police Department
Officer Charles Bratton. Died Nov. 27, 1874, after being stabbed
Coffey County Sheriff’s Office
Undersheriff George Milton Rickman. Died May 6, 1930, after being shot
Eureka Police Department
Officer Jacob Elliott. Died Nov. 16, 1922, after being shot
Fall River Marshal’s Office
City Marshal Evan Yoakum. Died April 5, 1930, after being shot
Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff Matt Samuels. Died Jan. 19, 2005, after being shot
Kansas Highway Patrol
Trooper Conroy O’Brien. Died May 24, 1978, near Matfield Green after being shot
Trooper Ferdinand “Bud” Pribbenow. Died July 11, 1981, between El Dorado and Matfield Green after being shot
Morris County Sheriff’s Office
Deputized civilian James Roberts. Died May 12, 1900, after being shot
Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News
{gallery}Law Enforcement Memorial Service 2018{/gallery}
