Memorial services are scheduled throughout the country this week to honor police officers who have died in the line of duty. Here in Lexington, that solemn public ceremony takes place this evening in Phoenix Park. Police from the Lexington Bluegrass Lodge #4 will gather to salute their comrades-in-arms in a solemn ceremony. Last year 166 police officers made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, including one from Kentucky.Officer James “Stumpy” Sticklen with the Alexandria Police Department, died of a heart attack during an on-duty training exercise on March 4, 2011.
"It is a calling" said Mike Sweeney, president of Bluegrass Lodge #4. "There's a lot more to this job than just running around answering calls, and handing out tickets. Obviously 166 of them gave their lives last year doing it, and we honor those that did."
The names of the fallen will be read as carnations are added to a wreath to be placesd outside the police monument on Main Street.
There ceremony starts at 6 p.m. Thursday in Phoenix Park. The public is welcome.
