Eastern PD honors fallen 'peace officers'

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Department of Public Safety recognized first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty in a ceremony on May 15 on the Public Safety lawn.

President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation in 1962 establishing May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week. The occasion aims to recognize police officers, referred to as "peace officers," who have died during service.

Recognizing fallen peace officers and service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice helps the campus community to “reaffirm our promise that they will never be forgotten,” said Police Chief Stephen Tavares ’96.

Campus minister, Father Larry LaPointe, encouraged attendees to celebrate and honor the courage of fallen officers. “Any event that begins with remembrance inevitably moves to gratitude,” he said.

LaPointe also highlighted the smaller, daily sacrifices that peace officers make in pursuit of their duty, including time with family, in the name of “the daily and continuing devotion that keeps us safe and gives us hope.”

Eastern President Karim Ismaili echoed LaPointe’s sentiment: “Individuals who enter this profession never think about losing their lives; they think about the service they’re providing.”

Sara Madera, director of institutional equity and Title IX coordinator, hung this year’s memorial wreath to commemorate the police who have died in the line of duty this year.

At the ceremony’s conclusion, Tavares thanked the Willimantic Fire Department for their participation in the event, highlighting the positive relationship between first responders at Eastern and in the surrounding community.