Peace Officer Memorial Service May 9

TYLER — As a part of National Police Week, the nation will pay tribute to peace officers from across the country who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. On Monday, May 9, at noon, the Smith County memorial service will be held on Tyler’s downtown square. Honor guards from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Smith County Sheriff’s Office, and Tyler Police Department will take part in the ceremony to honor area law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for 2010-2011.

In 2010 (158 officers) and to date 2011 (65 officers), 223 peace officers joined the ranks of these officers nationwide. Once again, Texas led the country with the death of 17 peace officers in 2010 and 6 officers in 2011, including Smith County Deputy Robert Britton Jr. on March 28. In 2010, the average age was 40 and average tour of duty was 11 years, 6 months. The event will include the posting of the colors, a wreath ceremony, Taps, a 21-gun salute, a riderless horse, and a fly-over by a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter. All families of fallen officers and the public are invited to attend this ceremony.