Police and local officials gather to honor officers fallen in the line of duty

Police officers from various departments attended a solemn service Tuesday morning, May 13, for fallen police officers both in Lebanon County and the country at large.

The service, held at the Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services at 10 a.m., began with a prayer from Chaplain Dean Cover.

“Almighty God, we come today to honor and to remember those in law enforcement who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” said Cover. “We thank you for their service and their dedication to protecting and keeping us safe, we thank you for the courage they showed in the face of danger. We honor their sacrifice, and may our prayers bring comfort to their families, knowing that their loved one’s legacy and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Then, the mic turned over to Lebanon County District Attorney Pier Hess Graf, who spoke about the role of police and the history of Police Officer Memorial Day and Week, as well as the traditions and symbolism used in the ceremony.

“As a police officer today, to suit up and face the evil and potentially not return home, requires a courage and a dedication beyond what most people will ever understand,” she began.

Hess Graf went on to list fallen police officers in Lebanon County, from the earliest on-the-job death in 1890 to the modern day, with living family members being presented flowers.

Lebanon County officers who received a special mention – and the date of their deaths, or End of Watch – are:

• Chief of Police Aaron McCord, Lebanon City Bureau of Police, March 28, 1890.
• Chief of Police Cyrus Schaeffer, Lebanon City Bureau of Police, Feb. 14, 1903.
• Sgt. Sheryl Pierce, South Londonderry Township Police Department, Sept. 14, 2013.
• Patrolman Michael Harry Wise II, Reading Police Department, June 5, 2004.
• Senator David J. Arnold Jr., Lebanon County District Attorney from 2006 to 2020, Jan. 17, 2021.
• Lt. William D. Lebo, Lebanon City Police Department, March 31, 2022.
• Chief Bernie Dugan, Annville Township Police Department, Oct. 26, 2023.

Multiple government officials read proclamations celebrating National Police Week.

After the service, North Cornwall Township supervisor and former police chief Mike Wahmann explained that North Cornwall Township had been asked to sign a proclamation due to the DES building being within the municipality.

“Having participated in experiences where officers have been shot in the line of duty — fortunately they didn’t die — but I know that anticipation and the feelings that all of these officers feel when a brother is injured and wounded or killed in the line of duty,” he said. “So it was especially heartening for me to be able to participate as a hosting community.”

Lebanon County Regional Police Chief Tim Knight said annual memorial services are an emotional experience.

“Every year, it brings back emotions, personally being friends with some of the officers that paid the ultimate sacrifice,” he said after the service. “But it is an honor to be here and represent them and their families here today.”