On the evening of May 3, the Central Florida community gathered in the courtyard of the Orange County Courthouse to honor the lives and legacies of the region\u2019s fallen law enforcement officers. The annual ceremony paid tribute to those officers who have suffered a serious injury, who died of natural causes and those brave men and women who currently serve the community.<\/p>\n
Hosted by the Fraternal Order of Police, the ceremony began with a memorial parade leading to the courthouse grounds featuring officers on motorcycles, honor guards, bag pipe players, drummers, uniformed personnel, survivors, families and guests.<\/p>\n
The ceremony attendees included elected officials, dignitaries, community leaders and representatives from 28 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that operate in Orange County. Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Orange County District 3 Commissioner Pete Clarke and District 5 Commissioner Emily Bonilla attended the solemn event.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne way to honor these and all law enforcement officers is to do everything possible to support their families, and to remember that each and every day the brave men and women of law enforcement leave their homes \u2013 knowing that they may not return \u2013 and risk their lives to keep us safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the ceremony, the names of 48 fallen officers \u2013 from 1870 to 2017 \u2013 we called in memoriam. Upon their name being called, a rose was placed on a ceremonial wreath representing their life and legacy. Additionally, family and special guests shared tribute to their fallen hero with letters and musical performances.<\/p>\n
Photo Caption:\u00a0The 36th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony was held on May 3 at the Orange County Courthouse to honor the lives and legacies of the region\u2019s fallen law enforcement officers.<\/em><\/p>\n