Hubbard patrolman Ian Kristen, left, and Brenda Freeman place a wreath at the front of the police department for the Police Memorial ceremony for fallen officers across the nation.

HUBBARD — Fallen police officers were remembered with a special ceremony over the weekend, hosted by the Hubbard Police Department.

The memorial event, held the third week in May, pays tribute to police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The memorial also marked both National Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to pay tribute to those who have fallen while serving.

The ceremony included poems read by Hubbard High School students Eli Barr, Aubrey Harris and Addison Thomas. A wreath of blue carnations was placed in front of the police department.

Nationwide there have been 146 fallen officers from May 2022 to May 2023. Each name was read, followed by a moment of silence.

“The ceremony is a way to let the families know we think about the officers who gave their lives making the ultimate sacrifice. They served our country and communities working to keep everyone safe,” Hubbard police Chief Bob Thompson said.

He said those in law enforcement go into the profession knowing what the risks are.

“They put themselves between citizens and harm’s way. This is what they are trained to do with the best equipment we can get. We are at times short-staffed but our officers do their jobs and work around the clock. They get tired but they still do an outstanding job,” Thompson said.

Thompson said it helps the officers to see the support from the community and the chaplains.

“We are very close with the schools and have a school resource officer. We go and do talks for the senior citizens. We are very involved in the community,” Thompson said.

“To the family and friends of our fallen heroes: Thank you,” said Trumbull County Sheriff Paul Monroe, keynote speaker at the ceremony.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial during National Police Week.

The wreath of 50 blue carnations was purchased by the Hubbard Christians in Action with each carnation representing the 50 states and honors the officers whose end of watch was announced in 2023.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com