'Ultimate sacrifice': Savannah-area law enforcement honors fallen officers during memorial service

On Wednesday morning, local law enforcement, including the Savannah Police Department (SPD), the Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) and the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), honored fallen officers at the annual Police Memorial on the corner of Oglethorpe Avenue and Habersham Street.

The event offered an opportunity for the community to remember and pay tribute to local law enforcement officers who made sacrifices in the line of duty.

The event started with an invocation by SPD Chaplain Charles Roberson.

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God,” said Roberson. “Today, we gather as a community and thank you for this time of remembrance and honor. We pause today to remember the following and honor those who laid down their lives in service to others.”

SPD Chief Lenny Gunther said, “We gather to honor the courageous men and women in blue who give of themselves unselfishly to ensure that we live in harmonious and safe communities.

“We somberly remember those who got up, put on their uniforms, laced up their boots, strapped up their vests, not realizing that they’d give the ultimate sacrifice.”

Family members of fallen officers joined CCPD Officer Andrew Nizwantowski as he placed a rose at the memorial in honor of their loved one on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
Family members of fallen officers joined CCPD Officer Andrew Nizwantowski as he placed a rose at the memorial in honor of their loved one on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

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City of Savannah Mayor Van Johnson issued a proclamation on behalf of the mayor and city council that May 15, 2024, is Annual Police Memorial Day.

“Whereas police officers across the nation, across the State of Georgia, throughout Chatham County, and within the City of Savannah, face danger on a daily basis,” said Johnson. “Whereas police officers often bear the brunt of the ills of society. Therefore, it is fitting and proper to honor the memory of those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties, and to pay tribute to their courage, dedication, and valor.”

Chatham County Commissioner Chester Ellis also issued a proclamation on behalf of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners.

“Join us as we show our appreciation, our respect, and our admiration for those who have paid the costs, and paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said Ellis.

CCSO Sheriff John Wilcher then took to the podium. “This monument is not only a time of remembrance, but an opportunity to express our gratitude and sacrifice made by these fallen heroes and their families.”

“This service is not done in isolation or independently. Any husband, wife, father, mother, sister, fellow officer knows what it takes, and what it means to be a police officer,” said CCPD Chief Jeff Hadley.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia Jill Steinberg then spoke as the guest of honor.

“I’m sure there isn’t a single person here who thinks police officers have it easy,” said Steinberg. “We know their jobs are dangerous and stressful. We know that they do not make enough money. We know that they do not receive enough gratitude. Early mornings, late nights, off-hour emergencies. Missed family events, holidays, and weekends, all interrupted, year after year. And yet, they show up for work anyway.”

U.S. Attorney Jill Steinberg delivered the keynote address at the memorial service and honored the service and sacrifice of these fallen heroes of law enforcement.
U.S. Attorney Jill Steinberg delivered the keynote address at the memorial service and honored the service and sacrifice of these fallen heroes of law enforcement.

A CCPD officer then placed roses for every fallen local law enforcement officer on the Police Memorial Statue, before a prayer was read by Father Patrick O'Brien.

"Today, probably more than ever, they are in need of our prayers," said O'Brien. "Because so many people do not respect the badge, the shield. They are people we call upon when we are in need."

Drew Favakeh is the public safety and courts reporter for Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at AFavakeh@Gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah-area law enforcement honors fallen officers during memorial service