Published: May 14, 2008 11:34 am         

Fallen officers honored

Law enforcement officers from across Elkhart and St. Joseph counties joined in the annual memorial service Tuesday honoring officers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their communities.

A crowd formed on the Elkhart County Courthouse lawn in Goshen between the war memorial and flagpole and the courthouse building for the 11 a.m. service.

Dan Haifley, pastor of Grace Bible Baptist Church of Syracuse and senior chaplain of the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department, was the featured speaker.

Haifley pointed out that 14,000 officers have lost their lives in the line of duty. In the last 10 years there has been one death every 58 hours across the country.

“It is time for us to stop today and remember them,” he began. These officers are not fighting on foreign soil for the freedom of others, but are protecting their homes and neighbors.

He stressed the personal sacrifice made by law officers who died protecting the residents of their communities.

He added that communities should remember the fallen officers’ families, as they should be honored, too.

“Our prayer today is that no more will fall in the line of duty,” Pastor Haifley said.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Daly performed “Taps” on a trumpet and Richard Mao, Mishawaka, played bagpipes in the service.

The service included participation by all Elkhart County departments, the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, Goshen Fire Department and the Goshen VFW 985.