Church bells tolled the top of the hour and sirens wailed as Fraternal Order of Police President Sean Mulligan opened the ceremonies for the Crossville-Cumberland County Police Memorial Week observances at the gazebo on the courthouse lawn this morning at 11. Nearly 100 people – citizens, Crossville police and Cumberland County sheriff’s deputies – gathered to remember the law-enforcement personnel who’ve given their lives in service to Crossville and Cumberland County.

Crossville Police Chief David Beaty told 105.7 News, “It’s a chance to pay respects to our brothers and sisters we’ve lost in the line of duty. We’re not off to a good start this year. As of this morning, there are 54 [law-enforcement officers] in this country that’s died in the line of duty.”

As Pastor Danny Smith of Crab Orchard Christian Church offered the invocation, he spoke of a fallen fellow law-enforcement officer from many years ago, whose service and sacrifice he has never forgotten. He invoked Almighty God to protect and guard those who serve and protect the public, and to watch over them as they perform their duties.

After Captain Jerry Jackson led the Pledge of Allegiance, Mulligan addressed the crowd. “I stand before you with a great burden of responsibility, one voice to speak for thousands,” he said. “We have chosen a career on the front lines – officers willing to place themselves in harm’s way, because that’s the American way.”

Mulligan said this morning’s gathering was to remember those who upheld the law – and did so with honor and bravery in the face of death. “I’m proud of them. I’m proud of you, their families,” he said. “We honor you and we will always remember.”

Mulligan then invited Crossville Mayor James Mayberry to say a few words.

Mayberry spoke of the beautiful place Crossville is – and of the debt of gratitude owed to those who put the safety and security of the people of Crossville and Cumberland County ahead of their own.

“Every day the men and women of law enforcement put their safety at risk,” he told the crowd.

After Mayberry’s comments, the Cumberland County Honor Guard performed a 21-gun salute, followed by a rendition of “Taps,” by Cumberland County High School rising senior Jacob Lewis.

Crossville native Oleth Padgett watched the ceremony from one of the stone benches on the lawn. “I have a stepson that’s in charge here,” he said proudly, pointing out officer Gary Green. Padgett said he’s been attending these annual memorial ceremonies “since the beginning, I guess.”

Chief Beaty told 105.7 News police work is not easy, but it’s rewarding. “It’s a dangerous profession. A lot of the people we deal with are repeat offenders,” he said. As for the men and women who put on the uniform, he explained, “It’s a calling. It’s not just a job for the men and women who serve.”

When asked what he’d like to see the public do in support of law enforcement, Beaty replied, “What probably would mean more to these guys – if you see them in a restaurant or out in public somewhere – is to just thank them for their service.”