The Wichita Police Department and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office had a different kind of ceremony Friday for the annual Law Enforcement Memorial. The ceremony was held online because of the coronavirus pandemic and limits on public gatherings.
Wichita police chief Gordon Ramsay and Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter delivered messages during the virtual ceremony to pay tribute to the 30 officers and deputies who have died in the line of duty.
Chief Ramsay said policing in today’s world is not an easy job, and the dynamics today make it much more difficult than in years past, but the mission does not stop. He said “We still need to be working with our community, strengthening relationships while continuing to address the violence that we see in our communities. He said residents can support police by thanking them and recognizing the good things that officers do.
Sheriff Easter said a new practice has been added this year for Memorial Week. He said wreaths will be placed at the graves of fallen deputies, to honor and remember them.
Wichita mayor Brandon Whipple and Sedgwick County Commission chairman Pete Meitzner read proclamations during the online ceremony.
