May 04, 2006

Governor to honor fallen Kansas law enforcement officers
Governor directs flags to be lowered in their honor

In recognition of the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony on Friday, May 5, and National Peace Officer’s Memorial Day on Monday, May 15, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has ordered flags on state buildings be flown at half-staff on each of those days.

“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every time they go to work, protecting the people of Kansas,” Governor Sebelius said. “Since January of 2005, Kansas has tragically lost three Kansas law enforcement officers in the line of duty. I urge all Kansans to remember those we’ve lost in the line of duty and pray for their families and friends.

On May 5, Governor Sebelius will speak at the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. on the northeast grounds of the Kansas Statehouse at the site of the newly restored law enforcement monument. The Memorial Service will honor individuals who died while protecting Kansans. Two law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty since April 2005 will be honored this year—Harvey County Deputy Kurt Ford and Seward County Detention Officer Cory A. Ricks. Greenwood County Sheriff Matt Samuels was honored during the 2005 ceremony.

This year, the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial will be rededicated.

Governor Sebelius said, “This memorial is extremely important to the law enforcement community and to the families of law enforcement officers who have died. It symbolizes their courage and sacrifices. I’m honored to join law enforcement officers from around the state in recognizing their work and dedication as we rededicate this memorial.”

In addition, H.J. Res. 730, P.L. 87-726 designates May 15 of each year as National Peace Officer’s Memorial Day.