Remembering the fallen, honoring those who serve: National Police Week begins in Clarksville with memorial

Dozens of people came together Friday for the Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial Ceremony at the Clarksville Police Department.

“We are here to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting our communities, here and abroad, and also to honor their families,” CPD Deputy Chief Rick Stalder said.

The community had gathered for National Law Enforcement Memorial Day, which served as the kick-off to National Police Week this week.

”To Chief David Crockarell and to the women and men who wear the uniform of the Clarksville Police Department, thank you for the work you do every single day, Mayor Joe Pitts said.

“To the families of our fallen, who have gathered here today, you honor us with your presence. To our community, I am just so very grateful that despite the national narrative of unrest that seems to permeate every media outlet you see, our city has embraced our police officers, and we enjoy a very positive relationship.

The mayor told those gathered that it is important to remember the fallen.

“We pause to honor the memories of the six officers and one canine officer, locally, who gave the full measure of their devotion to duty when they laid down their lives during a shift,” he said.

"We look out over the horizon with hope, and we pray that we never have to add another name to that list. May God continue to bless and protect our law enforcement officers and their families, and may God bless the city of Clarksville.”

Montgomery County Sheriff John Fuson also gave thanks and then highlighted some statistics.

"Since 1791 more than 25,000 officers have died in the line of duty. Among them, our own MCSO Deputy Bubba Watson. His end of watch was Jan. 12, 2014. His family could not be here today, but we certainly honor their sacrifice and continue to hold them in our arms.”

Fuson talked about the most recent law enforcement officer deaths.