[1]Red roses for remembrance share the pedestal with The Guardian statue in Chehalis.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – A medal of valor and other commendations will be awarded tonight as Centralia police recognize courage, service and sacrifice among their ranks.
The annual ceremony will take place at Centralia City Hall during the city council meeting, according to Chief Bob Berg.
It’s National Police Week. Friday is National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, time set aside and established by Congress to pay tribute to those officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities, according to Berg.
The retiring police chief notes that 117 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty across the country last year, an increase of 10 from the year before.
Lewis County Sheriff Rob Snaza took the opportunity yesterday to issue a news release noting the week is a solemn reminder of how dangerous their jobs can be.
“My hat is off to all of the men and women in law enforcement who choose this honorable profession, are true guardians, and are willing to lay down their lives to protect their neighbors,” Snaza stated.
The Lewis County Law Enforcement Memorial, a bronze statue installed outside the Lewis County Law and Justice Center in Chehalis last year, will be decorated with red roses each day this week, as a tribute to fallen local officers.