Ceremony honors fallen area officers

ROSEBURG, Ore. -- Dozens of men and women in uniform gathered on Thursday for the annual Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony to pay respect to those who have given their lives to protect and serve.

Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin told the crowd, "This memorial day is a symbol of respect and admiration for your courage and sacrifices. It is a day that is held close to the hearts of all Americans, and a day that will remain an unending tribute to the memory of those honored here today."

It was a somber morning at the courthouse Thursday, as people gathered to remember those who've died in the line of duty.

According to the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, one officer dies in the line of duty somewhere in the nation every 53 hours.

Speakers also touched on those who continue to don the uniform and put their lives on the line every day. "We must never forget the constant danger that you face every single day," said Douglas County District Attorney Rick Wesenberg. "Every single time you make a traffic stop, every time you go to an innocuous seeming call, mortal danger is always, always a very real potential."

Five Douglas County officers have died in the line of duty, and Wesenberg says their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Douglas County Commissioner Doug Robertson also spoke at the ceremony. "While our memorial and our gathering cannot bring them back, it can serve as a reminder of how important that fragile shield of protection, that thin blue line is, to each and every one of us."