The Portland Police Bureau Memorial Ceremony was held today at the Portland Police Memorial, located in Waterfront Park, just south of the Hawthorne Bridge. The memorial service featured speakers, the retirement of the flag over the memorial by the Portland Police Honor Guard, music from the Portland Police Highland Guard, a 21-gun salute, and a water display from Portland Fire & Rescue. Today, Chief Bob Day, who was joined at the ceremony by Mayor Ted Wheeler and other dignitaries, presented a flag to the mother of Officer Thomas Jeffries who was killed in the line of duty on July 21, 1997.
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. Due to scheduling conflicts, the Portland Police Memorial Ceremony was held this week.
The Portland Police Memorial was built through the efforts of the Portland Police Historical Society and was dedicated during National Police Week in May 1993 by President George H.W. Bush.
Since 1870, 29 Portland Police officers and two police canines have been killed in the line-of-duty in service to the City of Portland.
Source: Portland Police Bureau