Allen County FOP honors fallen officers during National Police Week ceremony
SCOTTSVILLE, Ky. — Local law enforcement officers, community leaders and residents gathered in Scottsville on Thursday to honor officers who made the ultimate sacrifice during an annual memorial held by the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge as part of National Police Week.
The ceremony recognized fallen Allen County officers T.H. Kirby and Jessie Frost, whose service and sacrifice were remembered with a tribute ceremony, prayers and the presentation of roses in their honor.
The event coincides with National Police Week, observed each May to recognize law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and to support the families and colleagues left behind.
Scottsville Police Chief Danny Wilson said honoring fallen officers is an important way to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.
“There are still a lot of families out there that miss their loved one that gave their lives serving the community,” Wilson said. “It’s a big honor for us just to be able to remember them and give back some sort of thanks for what they did.”
Wilson said memorials like Thursday’s also serve as a reminder to pause and reflect on the sacrifices law enforcement officers and their families make every day.
“Everybody gets caught up in everyday life and what they have going on, but you’ve got to take a moment to reflect on the important things in life and the sacrifices people have made,” Wilson said. “Although they might not be here with us, we still appreciate and honor what they do.”
During the service, speakers reflected on the meaning of National Police Week, first established in 1962 after legislation signed by President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day.
Prayer leaders also offered words of encouragement and protection for officers currently serving, while thanking support staff and dispatchers for the roles they play in keeping agencies running.
Allen County Sheriff Brandon Ford said ceremonies honoring fallen officers are also meaningful for those who continue serving in law enforcement.
“Every day that we go out and do this job, we never know if we’re going to come home,” Ford said. “It reiterates the importance of this job and the sacrifices these guys make every day — and the sacrifices their families make as well.”
Community leaders thanked those in attendance for showing support and emphasized the importance of standing behind local law enforcement.
The ceremony concluded with a trumpet salute and prayers for officers and their families, as attendees reflected on the legacy of those who gave their lives in service to their communities.
