Reflect and honor: Wilmington-area law enforcement gather to remember fallen officers - StarNewsOnline.com
Red roses popped amid a sea of blue, black and tan as dozens of area law enforcement gathered at Wilmington Police Department headquarters Thursday to remember and honor fallen officers.
Uniformed police, local officials and family members watched as the roses were placed in a memorial wreath — representing the more than 600 officers who died in the line of duty last year across America, including 25 in North Carolina — at the Wilmington Police Department's Memorial Wall during its annual Peace Officer's Memorial Ceremony.
"People go into this challenging profession to make a difference in the lives of others and accept a much higher call," Wilmington Police Chief Donny Williams said. "We are grateful for the integrity, dedication and courage of our officers who serve and protect each day."
Thirteen members of the Wilmington Police Department and New Hanover County Sheriff's Office have lost their lives in the line of duty since 1918.
New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Captain David Edwin MacAlpine died most recently, in September 2021, due to COVID-19 complications.
MacAlpine was honored at Thursday's event and his name was added to the memorial wall.
New Hanover County Sheriff Ed McMahon said MacAlpine spent the last 30 years of his life in law enforcement.
"Captain Mac had a very huge heart for the service to his family, country, communities and others," McMahon said.
McMahon escorted MacAlpine's mother, Mable MacAlpine, to unveil the engraving of the fallen captain's name on the memorial wall.
"I'm so very happy about what they did for my son," Mable MacAlpine said. "I miss him."
Several members of MacAlpine's family attended Thursday's ceremony.
"...Captain David MacAlpine truly embodied the phrase of serving and protecting his community," Williams said. "His contributions and legacy will carry on in future law enforcement officers."
According to Williams, of the more than 600 officers who died in the line of duty in 2021 nationwide, over 400 died from COVID-19-related complications.
"This disease is very silent and non-discriminatory in that it kills and took the lives of many of our heroes," Williams said.
In 2022, nearly 100 officers have been killed in the line of duty, he said. Four were in North Carolina, including the recent passing of Whiteville Police Department officer Ron Guyton.
Fifty-two officers across the nation have died due to COVID-19 this year, Williams said.
Thursday's marked the 11th year the memorial ceremony was held at WPD. The 2020 ceremony was not held due to COVID-19 concerns.
Jamey Cross is the public safety reporter at the StarNews. Reach her at [email protected] or message her on Twitter @jameybcross.
source: https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/2022/05/05/wilmington-area-law-enforcement-remember-fallen-officers/9658683002/
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