2012 Peace Officer Memorial

 

 

June 12, 2012

 

The 39th Annual Arizona Peace Officer’s Memorial Service took place on May 7 at Wesly Bolin Plaza. The Arizona Department of Corrections Office of Victims Services staff, including Administrator Jan Blaser-Upchurch, Victim Advocate Erin Yabu and CRT II Edwin Gonzalez and Mercy Duran helped set up the Survivor Reception, which was held on the Capitol Lawn for families of Fallen Officers an hour before the Memorial Service.

ADC Officers from the Honor Guard Pipes and Drums joined dozens of Officers from around the state to form the Arizona Peace Officers Massed Pipes and Drums. Sgt. Katina Murphy helped open the ceremony with her stirring rendition of our National Anthem. Later in the service, Sgt. Murphy was joined by CO II Walter Caldwell, who played a guitar backup when Murphy sang, “Can you hear me when I talk to you.”

There were seven officers remembered during the service this year and Jan Blaser-Upchurch was given the honor of reading their names during the Roll Call of Heroes. During the Roll Call, family member survivors of the fallen officers were presented an American Flag by Governor Janice K. Brewer and Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne.