Area police agencies honor officers killed on duty

Police agencies from Western New York and Southern Ontario will honor the memories of law enforcement personnel who gave their lives in the line of duty during the 14th annual Niagara County Police Appreciation Day Interfaith Memorial Service on Thursday, May 12.

The service will begin at 7 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 400 Ridge St., Lewiston.

The guest speaker for this year's service will be Niagara County District Attorney Michael J. Violante. The host pastor will be the Rev. Susan C. Keppy, a chaplain with the Lewiston Police Department. 

The service is open to the public.

Held the evening before the 23rd annual Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., the Niagara County service will feature the reading of the Roll of Honor - the roster of officers killed in the line of duty through the years - and a presentation of memorial wreaths by representatives from law enforcement agencies. Agency honor guard members will join area musicians in rendering a rifle salute and play taps.

A reception, sponsored by St. Paul's Church and the Niagara Falls Block Club Council, will be held in the church hall immediately following the service.