Portland Police paid homage to their fallen comrades Tuesday, gathering at Waterfront Park to honor officers who have died in the line of duty, an emotional ceremony punctuated with traditional bagpipe music, a 21-gun salute, and a poignant water display courtesy of Portland's bravest, the city's firefighters.
The Portland Police Bureau Memorial Ceremony, which took place near the Hawthorne Bridge, saw Chief Bob Day leading the tributes and presenting a flag to the mother of Officer Thomas Jeffries, whose life was tragically cut short while serving the community on July 21, 1997.
Amidst the gathered dignitaries, including Mayor Ted Wheeler, the Portland Police Highland Guard rendered musical honors, adding a layer of gravitas to the event as the Portland Police Honor Guard retired the flag, the solemn rites of farewell to those who bore the shield with honor, courage, and ultimate sacrifice.
Throngs of uniformed officers and community members banded together to draw comfort from shared loss, to contemplate the deep well of gratitude owed to those figures enshrined on the police memorial, constructed with dedication by the Portland Police Historical Society and inaugurated by President George H.W. Bush in 1993.
As per the tradition begun in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy declared May 15 National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the following week National Police Week, Portland's ceremony, although delayed due to scheduling conflicts, remained a steadfast commitment to never forget the 29 Portland Police officers and their two canines who have fallen in the line of duty since 1870.
