Missoula Honors Fallen Officers at Memorial Ceremony

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - The 25^th annual Missoula Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony was held on a brisk Wednesday evening at Rose Memorial Park, with personnel from Missoula Police, Sheriff’s Office, and Highway Patrol along with spectators on hand to honor those who have given the last measure of devotion in service to their community.

Missoula Police Chief Mike Colyer led the ceremony and introduced the keynote speaker, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for Montana Tim Racicot, who emphasized the importance of such ceremonies.

The 25th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial was Held Wednesday at Rose Park

“Events like these are important for so many reasons, one of which is that your risks and sacrifices are often forgotten or overlooked as we go about our daily lives with their various rituals,” began Racicot. “I think it's imperative that we take time to honor the officers we've lost in the line of duty, those who paid the ultimate price for their service. And to honor all of you who have chosen to work as officers, deputies, troopers, detectives, and agents, taking an oath to serve and protect your fellow citizens.”

Racicot expressed his pride in sharing the work of public service with the law enforcement officers.

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“One of the things I'm most proud of in my life is my decision to enter public service and to serve in a manner that I hope helps keep the people of Montana, and of Missoula in particular, safer,” he said. “And because I've had the privilege to work directly with several of you over the years, I'm well-positioned to say that your public service, given its attendant risks, is unmatched, and something of which I hope you are all very proud.”

1st Assistant U.S. Attorney for Montana, Tim Racicot, Presented the Keynote Address

Racicot related an encounter that occurred recently in Idaho that reflected the different extremes often experienced by officers.

“Try to imagine the discipline and the will it takes to mourn the loss of your colleague while you hunt his killer, then when you find him, have him try to take your life; wound him in response to his threatening behavior, and immediately shift gears and render aid working to save his life,” he said. “I can't think of another profession that places the same kind of demands, physical and mental, on its members, and it's almost impossible to sufficiently describe in words, the demands that are placed on each of you during the course of your service.”

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Racicot was Thankful that No Missoula Officers have Died on Duty Since 2010

Racicot was thankful that no Missoula law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty since 2010.

“I had a chance to review the list of fallen officers from in and around Missoula, and I took some comfort in the fact that it's been many years since the most recent of your comrades died in the line of duty,” he said. “Sergeant Bob Heinle was shot in 1998 and passed away in 2010 as a result of those injuries. The fact that it's been over two decades since an officer died is, I suspect, a testament to your training and your preparation, and if we're being honest, involves a measure of Providence for which we should all be grateful.”

Rose Memorial Park is located just off Brooks Street in Missoula. It was established in 1946 to honor Missoula area casualties in World War II.