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Peace Officers Memorial: Apopka Honor Guard pays tribute in DC

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For generations, the brave women and men of the Apopka Police Department have answered the call to serve and protect our community. Enduring long shifts in dangerous and unpredictable circumstances, the APD embodies the courage and honor that represent the best that Apopka has to offer. On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, we express our gratitude for the selfless public servants who wear the badge and put themselves in harm's way to keep us safe, and we pay respect for those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

In moments of danger and desperation, the first people we turn to are law enforcement officers. These often unsung heroes risk their lives and sacrifice precious time with loved ones so their fellow citizens can live in peace and security. But more than that, they are leaders in their communities, serving as mentors, coaches, friends, and neighbors -- working tirelessly each day to ensure that the people they serve have the opportunities that should be afforded to everyone. In honor of all they do, we must give these dedicated professionals the support and appreciation they deserve.

This week the Apopka Police Honor Guard, made up of Sergeant Steve Harmon, Detective Mark Creaser, Detective Jim Maloney, and Officer John Giarratana, are in Washington DC for the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Police Week. The attached photos are from the candlelight service and the wreath vigil at the National Law Enforcement Memorial. The Honor guard was also present for a special wreath ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery for the Orlando Police Department, Orange County Sheriffs Office, and Kissimmee Police Department. Those agencies have names of fallen officers who were killed in 2017. Their names were added to the wall at the Law Enforcement Memorial and were also read out loud during the Candlelight service along with hundreds of other Law Enforcement Officer’s names who were killed in 2017. The APD's own Officer Denson L Hudson, who was shot and killed in 1941, had his name added to the wall in Washington in 2012. Currently there are more than 21,000 names on the wall. Sadly the number continues to grow. Please help by remembering our public servants who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for the communities that they served.

Editor's Note - APD News contributed to this report.

Apopka Police Department, Peace Officers Memorial Day

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