White Auditorium is typically a venue for competitions and celebrations. But a much more poignant atmosphere was evident Wednesday during the city’s ninth annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service.
The ceremony featured prayers, renditions of “Amazing Grace” and “Taps,” a reading of names for Kansas officers killed in the line of duty over the last decade and a separate reading of names for Lyon and Greenwood County officers killed.
In addition, the event featured perspectives from Emporia’s civilian of the year, officer of the year and supervisor of the year. Roxanne Van Gundy, the civilian of the year and director of Lyon County’s Emergency Communication Center, said she often questions why she is a dispatcher, especially after knowing officers during her time in Alaska that were killed.
Officer of the year Jaffar Agha said love of community is what drives him and other law enforcement officers across the country.
Police Lt. Ray Mattas, Emporia’s supervisor of the year, said he was struck by the heroism of the fallen.
Lyon County Sheriff Jeff Cope said he was proud and grateful to serve here.
Over 40 chairs were set up on the auditorium stage to represent the officers already killed this calendar year. The video screen also scrolled with photos of officers killed nationwide since last year’s local ceremony. Following the main event, there was a balloon release outside White Auditorium. About 100 people attended.
Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News
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