The 2017 Georgia Public Safety Memorial Ceremony was held at the Georgia Public Training Center (GPSTC) in Forsyth on May 22, 2017. Governor Nathan
Deal delivered the
keynote remarks
honoring those
law enforcement
officers who lost
their lives last
year and also
recognizing
others killed in
previous years.
Deal says these
officers being
honored adhered
to the standards we
all expect.
“In the ultimate sacrifice that we recognize in these 11 individuals today, that is the culmination of their oath of office. It is the ultimate fulfillment of their pledge to uphold and support the laws of this state and this nation," said Deal.
Deal said it is unfortunate that a ceremony is held.
“Wouldn’t it be nice to have one year where we did not have to have a memorial ceremony. I would love for that to occur and I’m sure all of you would as well.” Deal said he doesn’t believe we are anywhere close to that happening.
Deal says our law enforcement sacrifice so much to protect us. “But the ultimate sacrifice is what we’re here today to pay tribute to. It is altogether appropriate that we do so. If we should ever cease to do that, it would represent in my mind a crumbling of the bedrock of our beliefs and the rule of law. If that were to ever happen, our entire society would collapse upon itself.”
Deal says our nation has been one
dependent upon civilian law
enforcement to protect us in
our everyday lives.
"You are our
representative in the
rule of law," said Deal.
"Most people just like
me never really think
about the dangers
that law enforcement
officers incur every
single day they put on
that uniform."
Deal says we all hope and
pray that as they leave in the
morning that they will return safely
and thankfully most of them do.
“Today we are saying thank you to those who did not return safely. Thank you all for being here for this very solemn and very appropriate ceremony.”
Executive Director of Parole Chris Barnett and Parole staff attended.
"Our law enforcement officers strive everyday to protect and serve the communities across this great state. There is no greater sacrifice than an officer who gives his or her life protecting others. We gathered today to commemorate the heroism and dedication of those officers lost in the line of duty, as we also seek to honor those families and friends left behind," stated Barnett.
The 2016 Honorees are listed on the back cover
of this publication.
Georgia Parole Review
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