Jackson Law Enforcement Memorial Returns After Two Year Hiatus

Jackson Police Chief Elmer Hitt speaks at the 2019 Jackson Law Enforcement Memorial.  JTV photo.

(April 29, 2022 12:24 PM) After a two year pause, law enforcement agencies from across Jackson County will gather in Downtown Jackson to honor those killed in the line of duty. The Jackson Law Enforcement Memorial is scheduled for Wednesday, May 11 at 12 PM in the TRUE Community City Square. This will be the first in-person memorial since 2019. The 2020 and 2021 public tributes were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of National Police Week, this annual event pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. This year’s memorial is organized by the Jackson Police Department Honor Guard. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police Jackson Post, and the Blackman-Leoni Township Department of Public Safety are also participating. Law enforcement leaders from Jackson County will give remarks, with Undersheriff Chris Simpson delivering the keynote address. The names of Jackson County officers killed on the job will be read during the “Roll Call of Heroes”, followed by a gun salute and taps.

Elmer Hitt, Director of Jackson Police and Fire Services, says his department is looking forward to hosting an in-person memorial for the community. “The return of the event this year being in-person is important in order to give the proper respect to those that have given the ultimate sacrifice,” Director Hitt said.

TRUE Community City Square is located within Horace Blackman Park at 212 W. Michigan Avenue. In the event of unfavorable weather, the memorial will be held indoors at the Jackson Symphony Orchestra building, which is across the street from the park.