“Annually we get an opportunity to just stop for a moment and consider all the folks who have made sacrifices for us,” said Springfield Fire Division Chief Nicholas Heimlich. “We recognize specifically those who we lost in the line of duty, but there are many others who are injured and pay a price other than that.”
The fire chief, Springfield Police Division Chief Stephen Moody, State Highway Patrol Springfield Post Commander Lt. Brian Aller and Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly read a roll call of the men and women who died while serving as far back as 1881, followed by a 21 -gun salute. Musical elements of the ceremony included a bagpipe procession, the St. Joseph Catholic Church choir, which sang “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” the playing of TAPS and a bagpipe concluding the ceremony with “Amazing Grace.”
“Fortunately we have not last any officers since 2011, but we need to come together at least once a year to pay tribute and honor,” said Kelly.
The last Clark County emergency responder to die in the line of duty was Clark County Sheriff’s Deputy Suzanne Hopper on Jan. 1, 2011. Hopper was ambushed by Michael Ferryman, a man who had a history of mental illness and attacks on law enforcement officers. Hopper investigated calls of shots fired after Ferryman shot at a neighboring trailer at the Enon Beach mobile home park. As she investigated, Ferryman surprised Hopper, shooting her in the head and killing her.
Moody addressed the crowd — which included many civilians who gathered to honor the service men and women in their community — and asked them to not only remember those who have fallen but to remember the families and loved ones who support the dangerous work done by police officers, deputies, troopers and firefighters.
“We take time to reflect on individuals that came before us, what our duty is today and what lies ahead in the future,” added Heimlich.
About the Author