Law enforcement from around Manitowoc County gathered to honor their brothers in blue who passed away in the line of duty.
Police officers and sheriffs’ deputies again stood outside the southern side of the Manitowoc County Courthouse for the annual Manitowoc County Peace Officers Memorial service.
The service remembers officers from around the county who died while doing their job as law enforcement officers.
Manitowoc Police Chief Nick Reimer says the day honors officers who gave their lives to keep the public safe.
Members of the Dodge, Metsger, Hibbard, and Ten Haken families were in attendance.
“As survivors, I know these tragedies are still part of your everyday lives,” he told the families. “As a profession, we collectively share in your pain and your grief. You’ll always remain in our thoughts and prayers as you’ve been forced to live your lives with without Thomas, Lawrence, David, and Dale.”
Manitowoc County District Attorney Jacalyn LeBre was the keynote speaker again for the police memorial ceremony.
She brought up an anniversary for one officer from the area.
“10 years ago, Trooper (Trevor) Casper was killed in the line of duty in an attempt to apprehend a bank robber and murderer,” she noted. “It seems like yesterday that it occurred.”
She says while her job as a prosecutor is unique since they don’t carry a gun or ride on a squad car, they’ve seen how being a police officer can affect a community every day.
Members of the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office, along with officers from Manitowoc, Two Rivers, and Kiel, then read the names of those lost in the line of duty.
After Judge Jerilyn Dietz gave a special oath to law enforcement serving, a wreath was placed in front of the Manitowoc County Officer Police Official Memorial.
Seven names of fallen officers are currently on the memorial, including Marshal Edmund E. Hanske, Two Rivers Officer Leo Rocque, Manitowoc Patrolman Fred Mueller, Two Rivers Police Officer Thomas R. Dodge, Manitowoc Patrolman Lawrence Harold Metsker, Sheriff’s Deputy David C. Hibbard, and Manitowoc Patrolman Dale TenHaken.
