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National Police Week
  
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By Brad Meyer
Communities across the nation took time this week to remember and honor more than 18,000 law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.
Hundreds of area residents, elected officials, law enforcement personnel and students gathered at Heritage Place Park Thursday to pay tribute to fallen law enforcement officers – especially Conroe Police Department Sgt. Ed Holcomb, who was killed in the line of duty in 1982.
“Today, we honor the men and women who wear the badge,” said Conroe Mayor Webb Melder, addressing the crowd gathered for the ceremony. “Those who answer the roll call of the chapter eternal of law enforcement deserve our respect.”
Special recognition was made to the memory of Holcomb – the only CPD officer ever to die in the line of duty – and his surviving family members. Holcomb was shot Aug. 24, 1982, while answering a family violence call. He died three weeks later.
“It’s an honor that people take time to honor Ed,” said his widow Pat Stone. “We are very appreciative of what the city is doing.”
Following in his father’s law enforcement career, Chris Holcomb has been a deputy with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office for more than six years. He was 8 years old when his father died.
“I appreciate the attention this ceremony brings not only to my father, but all law enforcement officers,” he said.
In addition to the mayor and Conroe City Council members, the event was attended by representatives from the Conroe Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Conroe Fire Department and Montgomery County Precinct 2 Constable’s Office.
Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon challenged law enforcement officials to live up to the sacrifices and commitments of their position in their daily actions.
“Make each day a memorial to Sgt. Ed Holcomb,” he said. “Do everything that is expected of you until you lay down your badge.”
A total of 133 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty in 2008, Conroe Police Chief Charlie Ray told attendees. The ceremony was an opportunity to honor the memory of Holcomb and the commitment of current officers.
Nearly 150 students from Sacred Heart Catholic School attended the memorial service. Principal Gerard Kubelka said it is important for the children to learn a lesson about honoring those who serve the community.
“This is a life lesson about showing respect and appreciation for law enforcement and community service,” he said. “You’re never too young to learn that.”
The ceremony ended with a 21-gun salute by a CPD honor guard, the playing of “Amazing Grace” by piper John Wade and the playing of “Taps” by Stephen Kloesel.
For more information about National Police Week, visit the website of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund at www.nleomf.com.
Hundreds of area residents, elected officials, law enforcement personnel and students gathered at Heritage Place Park Thursday to pay tribute to fallen law enforcement officers – especially Conroe Police Department Sgt. Ed Holcomb, who was killed in the line of duty in 1982.
“Today, we honor the men and women who wear the badge,” said Conroe Mayor Webb Melder, addressing the crowd gathered for the ceremony. “Those who answer the roll call of the chapter eternal of law enforcement deserve our respect.”
Special recognition was made to the memory of Holcomb – the only CPD officer ever to die in the line of duty – and his surviving family members. Holcomb was shot Aug. 24, 1982, while answering a family violence call. He died three weeks later.
“It’s an honor that people take time to honor Ed,” said his widow Pat Stone. “We are very appreciative of what the city is doing.”
Following in his father’s law enforcement career, Chris Holcomb has been a deputy with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office for more than six years. He was 8 years old when his father died.
“I appreciate the attention this ceremony brings not only to my father, but all law enforcement officers,” he said.
In addition to the mayor and Conroe City Council members, the event was attended by representatives from the Conroe Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Conroe Fire Department and Montgomery County Precinct 2 Constable’s Office.
Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon challenged law enforcement officials to live up to the sacrifices and commitments of their position in their daily actions.
“Make each day a memorial to Sgt. Ed Holcomb,” he said. “Do everything that is expected of you until you lay down your badge.”
A total of 133 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty in 2008, Conroe Police Chief Charlie Ray told attendees. The ceremony was an opportunity to honor the memory of Holcomb and the commitment of current officers.
Nearly 150 students from Sacred Heart Catholic School attended the memorial service. Principal Gerard Kubelka said it is important for the children to learn a lesson about honoring those who serve the community.
“This is a life lesson about showing respect and appreciation for law enforcement and community service,” he said. “You’re never too young to learn that.”
The ceremony ended with a 21-gun salute by a CPD honor guard, the playing of “Amazing Grace” by piper John Wade and the playing of “Taps” by Stephen Kloesel.
For more information about National Police Week, visit the website of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund at www.nleomf.com.
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Reader Comments
nicoleshelby wrote on May 15, 2009 7:43 AM:
" revlbrown,
Bad bad Leroy Brown......excellent J. Croce song. I would have to agree with your post! Sad that the cuts are hurting the wrong people. "
Bad bad Leroy Brown......excellent J. Croce song. I would have to agree with your post! Sad that the cuts are hurting the wrong people. "
npdandk wrote on May 15, 2009 10:20 AM:
" Thanks to Montgomery County S.O and Pct.#4 Constables........ "
pprwrtr wrote on May 15, 2009 5:35 PM:
" If we didn't have law enforcement people, we'd ALL be in a mess because of the way some people act. They think they should be able to steal, kill, drive drunk, get high on drugs and do all kinds of damage, etc. This would be a crazier place than it is. They should get extra pay for hazardous duty and for the scum they have to deal with. Not very many occupations are required to deal with this element every day. I am not for killing, but I hope all of them can kill someone before they are shot or killed. A lot of times when you are out on the streets like they are, it's you or the other (very often habitual criminal) who will live. "
revlbrown wrote on May 14, 2009 11:31 PM:
yea we appreciate it so much, me and city council have decided to reduce your retirement benefits by only 50%. Keep up the good work City of Conroe Police. I bet the Police Officers really appreciate your efforts......Webo
Rev. LeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeRoy Jackson Brown "