TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — End of watch; three words that change many lives, and three words spoken several times Wednesday morning in Terre Haute during the annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service.
“Most of the people we read today, I was not here when they lost their lives. But the last five… I was an officer or deputy,” Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse said. “It puts it more in perspective, when you know that person. They were my friends. And it brings a pain up again, you kind of relive that again. I know if it does for me, the families are even more so,” he added.
Terre Haute Police Department Chief Shawn Keen agreed.
“They’re all still important, all their sacrifices are. It’s just different when you, it’s someone that you knew or worked with for a long time,” Keen said.
To honor those that paid the ultimate sacrifice, the community came together for the service at the Terre Haute Police Department headquarters.
“Annually we meet at our memorial to recognize and remember all of our officers that have died in the line of duty, both city officers as well as county deputies,” Keen said.
“It’s our annual service we have to honor those that gave their lives serving this community,” Plasse added.
In an emotional service each fallen officers names were read aloud, their stories told, their lives remembered.
“We don’t forget them,” Keen said. “We never forget them.”
“They didn’t lose their lives in vain,” Plasse said. “It means their families didn’t lose a loved one in vain. Their life mattered.”
A very emotional moment in Terre Haute Wednesday honoring 20 officers and deputies who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
We will never forget.
