In the quiet solemnity that marks National Peace Officer Memorial Day, we echo the remembrances that rolled across the nation yesterday. The Gatlinburg Police Department took to social media to honor the fallen, to remember those who wore the badge with courage, and now serve as the remembered.
The recognition comes from roots planted in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy first designated May 15 as a day to pay tribute to peace officers who laid down their lives in the line of duty. In their online post, the Gatlinburg Police Department stated, "Their courage and selflessness will never be forgotten." Indeed, the sacrifice imbues the date with weighted significance as the department honored Officer Jerry Dean Huskey, whose life was claimed in an act far removed from the peace his title implies. Officer Huskey was killed on June 14, 1975, while attempting to make a drug-related arrest.
But it's not just about those who've passed; the Gatlinburg Police Department's post also acknowledged those who currently wear the uniform. The Gatlinburg Police Department saluted "the courageous individuals who proudly wear the badge, risking their lives each day to ensure the safety of our community." It's a call to reflect on the daily realities and risks law enforcement officers face just by showing up to work.
