SpringfieldNewsSun.com

Springfield, Ohio — Sitting high on a windowsill in the office of Springfield Police Chief Stephen Moody is a plaque with the following quote engraved on its smooth blue surface:

"It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it's how they lived."

Those words came from a police officer's widow, and Moody gestures toward it as he discusses today's observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day.

"The people who join our organization come from all walks of life," he said. "It's a noble profession."

Peace Officers Memorial Day is a national observance of law enforcement officers, including those who've been killed in the line of duty. Flags will fly at half-staff at all public buildings today in honor of the occasion.

"This day is a day that the entire nation should stop and reflect," said Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly. "There is a special bond (between officers) that is for life."

Last month marked the 30th anniversary of the last local deputy, Gregory Raynor, who was killed in the line of duty.

The last local police officer killed in the line of duty was Leroy Warren Jr., in 1959.

Moody credits extensive training in "less than lethal force" such as ground fighting and use of Tasers for keeping officers safe.

"Training is very important, we have a lot of officers who train on their own," he said.

Peace Officers Memorial Day is part of national Police Week, a seven-day tribute to law enforcement that was first observed in 1982.

The law creating Police Week was signed into law by President John F. Kennedy in 1962.

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