22nd annual Police Memorial Service will honor officers killed on duty

Law enforcement personnel who died in the line of duty will be honored at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, at the 22nd annual Niagara Interfaith Chaplaincy Police Memorial Service.

The event will take place at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 140 Rainbow Blvd., Niagara Falls. Law enforcement agencies from across Western New York and Southern Ontario will participate in the observance, held each year during National Police Week to honor the memories of their fallen brothers and sisters.

Host pastor for the event will be the Rev. Helen Harper. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is a handicapped-accessible facility. The public is invited to this free event.

This year’s keynote speaker will be FBI Special Agent David Budz. A 17-year law enforcement veteran, Budz has worked in health care fraud for 12 years, including leading the WNY health care fraud task force. He also has worked in domestic terrorism and currently serves as the bureau’s regional mass gathering-special events coordinator.

A Bible study leader for the past 10 years he has, for the last three years, facilitated a Bible study for law enforcement personnel and leads a law enforcement chaplaincy ministry called OpOverwatch.

Established by a joint resolution of ­­­­­Congress in 1962, National Police Week is a time to give special recognition to law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. 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 law enforcement agency representatives.

Agency honor guard members will join area musicians in rendering a rifle salute and taps to the memories of those to be honored. Following the service, a reception will be held in the church’s fellowship hall.