The City of Two Rivers remembered the passing of a fallen officer 100 years later.
Yesterday marked the day that a bullet hit Officer Leo Rocque after a bell was activated at the police and fire station, which at the time was located at 17th and Washington Streets.
Police Chief Ben Meinnert told the crowd that no arrests were ever made and that the case remains open.
Meinnert added that Officer Rocque’s story is something retold every year during National Police Week and remembered at the county’s annual remembrance ceremony.
Speaking after the chief, one of Leo’s great-grandsons, Chris Rocque, spoke.
He thanked the city and police department for putting on the ceremony, saying Leo made the ultimate sacrifice, leaving behind a wife and nine children.
Chris then stated that all emergency personnel there understand what it means to serve.
“They know the risks, yet choose to step forward to protect others, answering calls that require a rare kind of courage,” he explained. “(They) run toward danger when others step back. They fulfill the oath to protect and serve us, knowing they could make the ultimate sacrifice. We are grateful to you all. Thank you for your service.”
After his comments, former officer Pete McGinty played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes, followed by Taps.
The ceremony in Two Rivers, remembering Officer Leo Rocque, would also bring family from around the nation to Central Park, with family from at least seven of his children making the trip.
Chris tells Seehafernews.com that although he now knows his great-grandfather’s story, his grandparents never told him.
“Later on when we were older in life, through an uncle is how I found out about Officer Leo,” he noted. “I think they (his grandparents) just wanted for us to enjoy their time with them. They didn’t want to let it (Leo’s death) hang over our visits.”
Chris admitted that it would be nice if the case could be solved, but 100 years later, it probably never will be.
Officer Rocque’s picture hangs next to Officer Thomas Dodge, the other Two Rivers police officer who died in the line of duty.
A ceremony was held last year for Officer Dodge, remembering his sacrifice 50 years to the day after he died in the line of duty.
Two Rivers Police Squad Cars also display a copy of both Rocque’s and Dodge’s police badges on the back of their vehicles in their honor.
