GREENSBORO, N.C. (NCN News) – Those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the public are being recognized in Greensboro, Tuesday (April 14).
The 41st annual North Carolina Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony at Lawndale Baptist Church in Greensboro, hosted by Attorney General Jeff Jackson in honor of law enforcement professionals who have fallen in the line of duty.
“We ask law enforcement officers to run toward danger when the rest of us might flee, and today we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe,” said Governor Josh Stein, who attended the commermation. “We owe them a debt that we can never adequately repay, so the least we can do is to offer our praise and our gratitude to their families – and to value the profession like it deserves.”
Governor Stein attended the annual North Carolina Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony each year it was held during his service as Attorney General. This year, the ceremony honored Officer Adrian Newton, Officer Mark Laskowski, Officer Francisco Flattes, and Officer Roger Smith.
“This ceremony honors the lives and sacrifices of our fallen officers,” said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “We owe them, and their families, our deepest gratitude for their service and sacrifice. I hope that our fellow North Carolinians will join us for this remembrance, and I thank the Fraternal Order of Police, the Justice Academy, the Greensboro Police Department, and North Carolina C.O.P.S. for their work to host this year’s ceremony.”
“Peace Officers’ Memorial Day is a sacred time for us to pause, reflect, and honor the courageous men and women who gave their lives in service to others,” said Chet Effler, President of the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police. “Each name we remember represents a story of sacrifice, commitment, and unwavering dedication to protecting our communities. As the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police, we stand united with our state and local partners, as well as the families of the fallen, to ensure their legacy is never forgotten. We also call on our communities to stand with us, not just in remembrance, but in continued support of those who wear the badge today. Their service matters, their sacrifice matters, and their memory must endure.”
“This day reminds us of the extraordinary courage shown by the men and women who gave their lives protecting our communities,” said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Chief of Police Estella D. Patterson. “We owe it to them—and to their families, colleagues and loved ones—to ensure that their service, their sacrifice and their commitment to justice are never forgotten. As we gather to remember these heroes, we also renew our promise to stand steadfast in our mission to safeguard and serve the people of North Carolina.”
“Our department is honored to help host this ceremony and to stand in solidarity with our law enforcement partners and with the families, friends and colleagues of fallen officers,” said Assistant Chief Milford Harris of the Greensboro Police Department. “We are painfully aware of how deeply these losses are felt by their families and their respective agencies. We are especially grateful for our community’s support and ask that residents join us April 14 as we remember and honor our fallen colleagues.”