Fallen law enforcement officers to be remembered Wednesday at service in Bismarck

The state’s fallen law enforcement officers will be remembered Wednesday at the North Dakota Peace Officer Memorial service in Bismarck on the Capitol grounds beginning at 1:30 pm.

Sixty-one officers will be honored at this year’s memorial service. Bismarck Police Sergeant Steve Kenner and Burleigh County Sheriff’s Deputy Bryan Sleeper died in the line of duty in 2011.

“The state’s memorial service gives us an opportunity to pay our respects to the law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and to thank those who continue to protect and serve,” said Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem.

Gov. Jack Dalrymple has issued a proclamation declaring Peace Officer Memorial Day and Police Week. The North Dakota law enforcement memorial service is usually held during National Police Week (the week in which May 15 falls). This year’s state memorial service is a week early because friends and family of Kenner and DSleeper will be in Washington, D.C., next week to attend the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service.

Dallas Carlson, director of the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, will serve as the master of ceremonies. Dalrymple, Stenehjem, Bismarck Police Chief Keith Witt and Burleigh County Sheriff Pat Heinert will be speaking at the memorial service. The North Dakota Peace Officers Honor Guard will present the Memorial Wreath. Chaplain Dan Sweeney, Bismarck Law Enforcement Chaplaincy, will read the roll call, after which there will be a rifle volley in tribute to the fallen heroes. Bob Gordon of the North Dakota Peace Officers Honor Guard will play Taps.

The memorial service will be followed by a reception in the Judicial Wing Atrium. The public is invited to attend.

Tags: law enforcement, law enforcement memorial, memorial service, peace officer, fallen law enforcement, news, updates