Champaign Co. police honor the fallen with memorial ceremony
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Police officers from six departments participated in the annual Champaign County Police Memorial ceremony on Tuesday morning.
Names of fallen officers were read, bagpipes played, and the 21-gun salute reigned.
Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heurman was one of many who spoke. He said the memorial is a reminder of past and present courage.
“It really does provide a good environment to remember why we do this job and what the sacrifice may be of doing this job.”
Champaign Police warn community of phone scam
Mike Schosser was the director of the University of Illinois Police Training Institute. His speech echoed a grim fact.
“Suicide should be pursued as relentlessly as any other cop killer,” he said in his speech.
Law enforcement officials have a 54% higher chance of suicide risk when compared to the general public.
“We’re still losing officers to suicide, and I think it’s important that we understand that we are out speaking to our fellow officers. We are making sure there’s things in place for their mental health,” Schosser said.
Champaign County sees lower deaths in 2023: Coroner
Sheriff Heurman agrees.
“Making sure that we are providing the support to officers, so they don’t feel like suicide is their only way out with all of that stress, is very, very, very important.”
It was a morning of honoring the sacrifices of those who protect us.
“This job is tough, and this job is dangerous,” Heurman said, “and this is kind of a reset now to get back out there and do the best job that we can every single day.”
St. Joseph-Ogden High School students helped out the service by playing “Taps” and singing the national anthem.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
