Police from across St. Clair County pay tribute to fallen officers
By Josh Carter
A police officer in dress uniform places a folded American flag at the foot of a memorial shrine during a memorial service for fallen police officers of St. Clair County in Christ Church on Frank Scott Parkway in Fairview Heights, Ill. on May 7, 2024.
Joshua Carter
Belleville News-Democrat
The ceremony typically takes place in front of the county jail, but plans were changed this year to to the chance of severe weather in the forecast. The memorial commenced with a motorcade that ended up at Christ Church in Fairview Heights, where the ceremony was held.
The service include a candle placing and roll call ceremony, two gospel singers, and a speech from St. Clair County States Attorney James Gomric.
It’s the 42nd year the sheriff’s department has organized the event.
A police officer directs traffic while standing at ease during a memorial service for fallen police officers of St. Clair County in Christ Church on Frank Scott Parkway in Fairview Heights, Ill. on May 7, 2024. Joshua Carter Belleville News-Democrat
St. Clair County Sheriff Richard Watson stares on while the National Anthem opens a memorial service for fallen police officers of St. Clair County in Christ Church on Frank Scott Parkway in Fairview Heights, Ill. on May 7, 2024. Joshua Carter Belleville News-Democrat
Tammy Jenkins, whose husband is a police officer, sings gospel during a memorial service for fallen police officers of St. Clair County in Christ Church on Frank Scott Parkway in Fairview Heights, Ill. on May 7, 2024. Joshua Carter Belleville News-Democrat
Bob Ellison, 88, sings “Still I Rise” in a powerful baritone while officers bow their head in supplication during a memorial service for fallen police officers of St. Clair County in Christ Church on Frank Scott Parkway in Fairview Heights, Ill. on May 7, 2024. Joshua Carter Belleville News-Democrat
Officers from across St. Clair county filled the pews during a memorial service for fallen police officers of St. Clair County in Christ Church on Frank Scott Parkway in Fairview Heights, Ill. on May 7, 2024. Joshua Carter Belleville News-Democrat
Pipers from St. Louis County Police Department Pipes & Drums perform “Amazing Grace” at the closing of a memorial service for fallen police officers of St. Clair County in Christ Church on Frank Scott Parkway in Fairview Heights, Ill. on May 7, 2024. Joshua Carter Belleville News-Democrat
Pipers from St. Louis County Police Department Pipes & Drums lead a procession of police officers in the opening of a memorial service for fallen police officers of St. Clair County in Christ Church on Frank Scott Parkway in Fairview Heights, Ill. on May 7, 2024. Joshua Carter Belleville News-Democrat
Officers from St. Clair County lead a procession of police officers at the start of a memorial service for fallen police officers of St. Clair County in Christ Church on Frank Scott Parkway in Fairview Heights, Ill. on May 7, 2024. Joshua Carter Belleville News-Democrat
Deputy Chris Davis places one amongst many candles during a memorial service for fallen police officers of St. Clair County in Christ Church on Frank Scott Parkway in Fairview Heights, Ill. on May 7, 2024. Joshua Carter Belleville News-Democrat
during a memorial service for fallen police officers of St. Clair County in Christ Church on Frank Scott Parkway in Fairview Heights, Ill. on May 7, 2024. Joshua Carter Belleville News-Democrat
