By Karen Hall

Editor

A man who was a classmate of one of the officers being remembered was the keynote speaker at the Law Enforcement Memorial Service held May 16 in Rock Creek Park.

"James Perry and I went through the academy together," said LaVergne Police Chief Mike Wallace. "It really hit me (when I got the news of his death.) We are a brotherhood."

Perry suffered a fatal heart attack in October 1999 while chasing a suspect on foot near Ardmore. He was 43 years old, and had been a member of the THP for 23 years.

Wallace spent over 30 years in the Tennessee Highway Patrol. He was a colonel when Trooper Calvin Jenks, another of the officers being remembered, was fatally shot in January 2007.

Jenks grew up in Culleoka, and the 24-year-old had recently transferred to Tipton County when he was killed. He had been in the THP just two years and eight months.

Jane Whitaker, Jenks' mother, made the presentation of the memorial wreath.

"One thing you have to do at the end of every shift is go home," said Wallace. "These four didn't." In addition to Jenks and Perry, Billy Blackwell and Eugene Leverette of the Lewisburg Police Department were being remembered.

"I did not dress up, because these men gave up their lives wearing what they wore every day," Wallace continued. "We're here to say thank you to these four who have served in this county. When we lose a law enforcement officer, it's like losing one of our own."

Of the 120 members of law enforcement killed in 2012, Wallace said, 47 were feloniouslly killed, mostly by gunfire. There have been 21,465 officers killed since 1791, when records began.

"Let us praise and remember them," said Rev. Steve Thomas, who is a Lewisburg Police chaplain, in addition to being a city councilman and the pastor of Belfast Presbyterian Church.

"In the end, love wins," said Thomas as he concluded his prayer.

Rev. Tom Dumser, also a police chaplain and pastor, quoted the 23rd Psalm, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me."

Dumser noted officers say they're just doing their job, and "downplay the heroic character of the things you do for us."

He noted their amazing spirit of brotherhood, and culture of comradeship.

"You deserve our most solemn recognition, and our conscientious support," Dumser concluded.

Marshall County Chaplain Larry Chatman gave the closing prayer, and Lewisburg Police Chaplain Shaun Grant read "The Watch."

Also speaking were Police Chief Chuck Forbis, Sheriff Norman Dalton, and County Mayor Joe Boyd Liggett. Police Capt. Rebekah Mitchell led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members of the Lewisburg Police Department presented the colors and fired a salute from the bridge over Rock Creek. Anna Beth Grant and two other women sang the national anthem and some special music. Todd Boswell of Dickson played "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes, and Colin Beatty, who teaches at Marshall County High School played "Taps."