Ceremony honors fallen law enforcement officers

By Nikki Villoria

Friday, May 20, 2011 | 1:55 a.m.

Bagpipes played in the distance as friends, family and comrades gathered to honor Nevada’s fallen law enforcement officers. Candles bordered a long table draped in black cloth where 28 photos of the officers rested.

More than 200 people turned out Thursday for the Southern Nevada Law Enforcement Memorial Service at Police Memorial Park. The event is held each year around National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day, which is May 15.

The ceremony began with a march of honor, led by a multi-agency Honor Guard and the families of fallen officers.

Palo Verde High School’s Vocal Infinity Choir softly sang America the Beautiful, and the names and agency of each of the 28 officers was read aloud. As each name was announced, family members or representatives placed a white rose in a memorial bouquet.

“It’s a constant reminder what these officers gave to the community, the ultimate sacrifice; they lost their lives and their families have suffered just a great of a loss,” said Metro Police Capt. Kirk Primas, who has been on the force for almost 27 years.

Greg Pushard, who has friends and family in law enforcement, said the ceremony “is a time for me to show my respect for the fallen officers, for my friends that are on the force, just a small time of respect.”

“I didn’t know any of them named, but you don’t have to,” he said.

No officers were added to the memorial this year. The most recent to die in the line of duty was Nye County Sheriff's Deputy Ian Deutch, who was slain in April 2010.

Joe Mulholland, a Las Vegas night watchman killed in 1905, is the first officer killed in the line of duty to be recognized by the memorial.

The memorial concluded with a rifle salute and a flyover by three Metro helicopters. Hugs were shared among loved ones and people wept.

“I thought it was as moving and as appropriate a memorial service as I have ever attended,” U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley said. “It gave us an opportunity to pay tribute not only to the fallen law enforcement officers but to their families, and to thank them for their tremendous sacrifice and to thank those that are currently serving in law enforcement for the sacrifices they make for the rest of us putting themselves in harms way every day.”

Ray Flynn closed the memorial, thanking the crowd for attending and offering a final thought: “As you drive home tonight, remember, it’s not how they died that we remember them, it’s how they lived their lives.”

CORRECTION: This story has been updated to reflect that it was Ray Flynn, not the Rev. Vincent ONeil, who offered closing remarks. Also, the names of the first and last officers killed in the line of duty have been corrected. | (May 24, 2011)