HELENA — Monday is the start of Police Week, and a ceremony was held at the Capitol to honor law enforcement officers across the state, and the 144 fallen officers since 1878.
“I think it’s important to not only remember those who have fallen or been seriously injured in the line of duty but remember those that step up every day and answer the call to go help people,” said Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) Colonel Kurt Sager.
He was one of the nearly two dozen people attending the Police Week ceremony.
Colonel Sager said, “It definitely takes a special person to do law enforcement. I don’t think if you didn’t have the calling that, you could do the job. You’re just exposed to too much and deal with too many things.”
The Montana Attorney General’s Office hosted the ceremony.
Each of the 144 fallen officers was recognized by reading their names.
MHP Troopers Barb Armstrong and Lewis Johnson were honored for their heroism on the job.
“The profession in and of itself tends to be a thankless position. We don’t exactly see people on the best day of their life,” said Trooper Johnson.
He has been in law enforcement for around ten years, and two years ago, he was severely injured while on duty.
Johnson said, “Since my injury, it’s catapulted me into a spotlight and I’d like to use that spotlight to remind people there’s still men and women out there performing this job.”
Wednesday marks Peace Officers Memorial Day, which President John Kennedy proclaimed in 1962.
