a heart attack while on required training.
During the ceremony, an offi cer from the department where
the fallen offi cer was working placed a fl ower on the memorial
wreath, but when James Fuller’s name was called, Wendy
Fuller and her children stepped up to place the fl ower.
“It’s a nice recognition of his service. It’s bittersweet,” she said.
Nolan said there was no place she would rather be than at the
memorial service.
“The reason is there’s no higher priority for me, for my
offi ce, than consistent and strong support of law enforcement.
We back blue. And we back the green and the gray, and every
color that I see here today,” she said.
Nolan pointed out that no Vermont offi cers had died in the
line of duty in 2018, but noted four offi cer-involved shootings
in 2019, a “disturbing statistic that underscores how law
enforcement offi cers put their lives on the line every day to
protect their communities.”
“Nationwide, in 2018, we lost 106 brave men and women
in uniform as they performed their public service,” Nolan said.
Nolan spoke of her pride in being a Vermonter.
“As Vermonters, we know how fortunate we are to live in the
Green Mountain State. Vermont is an incredibly attractive
place to reside and when we acknowledge that, as we should,
we must also recognize that this is due, in no small part, to
the tireless efforts of law enforcement offi cers at all levels to
keep us safe.” She went on: “Quietly, consistently, you put
yourselves in harm’s way to protect your community. You
make decisions every day to stand on the front lines of our
campaigns to combat violence, gun crime, drug traffi cking and
OFFICERS FROM VARIOUS LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES PREPARE TO PRESENT FLOWERS ON A
MEMORIAL WREATH DURING THE VERMONT LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS’ MEMORIAL CEREMONY AT
THE VERMONT POLICE ACADEMY IN PITTSFORD IN MAY. (ROBERT LAYMAN / STAFF PHOTO)
other dangerous crime.”
While the ceremony recognized law enforcement offi cers
who died in the line of duty, the governor also recognized
police offi cers who are currently serving.
“To those offi cers here today, you may feel like you’re just
doing your job. That way of thinking shows your selfl essness
because I know it’s your service and sacrifi ce that keeps us safe
on the roads, in our homes and in our communities,” he said.
“You truly are role models to many, and set an example for all
of us, and you’re doing it out of dedication and commitment
to service and duty.”
Alison McCullough Real Estate
BECAUSE NICE MATTERS 802.747.8822
Thank you for all you do every day for our community!
29 Center Street, Unit 1 • Downtown Rutland | [email protected] | www.alisonmcculloughrealestate.com
RUTLAND HERALD HOMETOWN HEROES JULY 2019 • 11