GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – The Green Bay Police Department taking time Monday to remember those who lost their lives while serving and protecting.
A special Honor Guard ceremony took place outside police headquarters on S. Adams Street, honoring the beginning of National Police Week.
Officers also enjoyed a luncheon from 11:30-1pm.
Chief Andrew Smith spoke at the event and says it’s a time for reflection.
“We’re hoping, as a kick-off for our week, that officers will just take a minute and reflect about all the individuals across the country that have given their lives in the line of duty over these past few years.”
In Wisconsin, 300 officers have sacrificed their lives since they began keeping records, with several killed in the state this year alone.
Smith says the job of a law enforcement officer is becoming increasingly dangerous.
“So far this year, we’ve lost 50 officers across the country just in the first few months of 2017,” explained Smith.
He says officers in Green Bay have been very fortunate over the years.
“In the history of the Green Bay Police Department we’ve only lost one officer that was George Motquin, who was killed in a traffic collision in a line of duty. That was in 1951,” Smith said.
But this week will have a special meaning for everyone at the department, after losing secretary, Sherry Bosar on Friday.
“She came to the police department 52 years ago and has worked every day since. She was always at her desk, always had a pleasant demeanor. I’ve never heard her raise her voice or have a cross moment with any one. She was beloved by everyone on this department,” said Smith.
Across the country in 2016, 143 officers lost their lives in the line of duty.
On Thursday, May 18 there will be a prayer vigil in front of the Green Bay Police Department memorial at 9 a.m.
