National Police Week Concludes at Centennial Memorial Park in Anniston

Anniston, AL –The 7th annual Alabama Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony was held on Friday to end an entire Week of Law Enforcement Recognition. The ceremony was a sad event to honor those who lost their lives helping their communities. This event was planned through Mr. Ken Rollins who was integral, along with the former Commissar Eli Henderson and others, in the creation of the memorial to police officers and veterans as firefighters and rescue emergency personnel who have suffered loss of life.

The ceremony started with an invocation from The Dr. Grinstead, Chaplin for Oxford Police. Calhoun Circuit Clerk Kim McCarson recognized distinguished guests. In the Post of Colors was completed by local Honor Guards followed by the National Anthem sung by Judge Alice Martin. Ken Rollins welcomed all those who attended and an honor guard from the local area was present to perform the funeral ceremony for fallen officers.

Oxford The Chief of Police, Bill Partridge introduced the principal speaker the Attorney General Steve Marshall. The closing song was performed with the Alabama Law Enforcement Memorial Pipes and Drums and followed by the closing prayer of the Dr. Grinstead. Sheriff Wade was joined by his Alabama Law Enforcement Memorial Pipes and Drums and told readers of the Calhoun Journal, “We have been working since August to prepare to prepare for this day due to the significance to us all to pay respect to the fallen officers.” The Sheriff went on to explain that the week’s purpose is to remember the victims and their families. The Sheriff further stated “This time is dedicated to showing respect to the fallen officers.” During his speech, Attorney General Marshall declared “The purpose of this week is not to add another name on this wall.” He further stated that “I have witnessed the bravery of those who wear this badge.” After the event was completed and the chief Bill Partridge of the Oxford Police Department addressed the Calhoun Journal and shared that, “On this day every year, we remember those who gave their lives in order to ensure that we do not forget their names or the sacrifices they sacrificed for our safety.”

A large portion of the attendees were family members and acquaintances of law enforcement officers who lost their lives while in the service of their duty. Three of the attendees were family members of the deputy Sheriff Walter Raymond Hall. In the month of December 2022, the discovery was made that the death of a Calhoun County Deputy who died in the month of October, 1962 was an act of service incident that wasn’t acknowledged in the moment. It was discovered that the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department made efforts to get the error corrected and get Deputy Sheriff Walter Raymond Hall’s names included in the registry for national honors and included in the Alabama memorial. His family members expressed that it was an honor to be able to participate in the funeral. The son of Deputy Hall recalled being as a child and serving papers while riding alongside his father and having the opportunity to eat lunch with deputies, and how it truly was a aspect the way he lived his entire life. The grandson of Deputy Hall never had the chance to see his grandfather however, he wanted to be there to pay tribute to the sacrifice was made by him.

Senator Keith Kelley spoke to the Calhoun Journal about how truly happy he is to be a part of his own State Law Enforcement Memorial here in Calhoun County. Kelley also been his father to a police officer and witnessing his son carry out the tasks were taught to perform without hesitation. He told his son that he went through a part of the academy along with Piedmont Police Chief Nathan Johnson.

The Chief Michael Barton with the JSU University Police Department spoke to The Calhoun Journal and said, “National Police Week and the Alabama Law Enforcement Memorial is an important opportunity to reflect on the greatest sacrifice that fallen police officers have made for the state of Alabama and our country. It is also crucial during this time to remember the families of fallen officers. As police officers every loss or injury can be devastating; We don’t remember.” The Chief Nick Bowles with the Anniston Police Department expressed similar sentiments and stated “The memorial serves as a sad memory of the sacrifices police officers, their family members and friends have given for this important profession.”

The memorial ceremony is the final celebration of The National Law Enforcement Appreciation Week. The week also included assistance for retired and current law enforcement, as AL Law Enforcement Foundation (ALEAF) served lunch from on Monday and Thursday to more than 500 police officers. They also provided more than $30k in door prize money for law officials. Each agency was also capable of recognizing outstanding officers. Lunches are a time of gathering and a chance for businesses and community members to show their appreciation for police and the work they perform every day. Piedmont Officer Chief Johnson expressed his views on the week “I am looking forward to Police Week every year. The people show their appreciation for law enforcement, and it’s refreshing to witness. I am extremely grateful to all those who are part of ALEAF and for the things they do for our officers within our community. They give our departments an opportunity to gather in a safe and welcoming atmosphere to build relationships. I’m always grateful that I am able to attend the law enforcement memorial in order to honor those who made the ultimate price. It is crucial to remember the fallen and preserve their memory for the sacrifices and impacts the made.”