By Jim Wallace - bio | email
ALBANY, GA (WALB) – Albany and Dougherty County law enforcers today honored nine officers killed in the line of duty over the years. They say it's their duty never to forget their fallen heroes.
Family members of the fallen law enforcement officers say this annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service is important to them, and helpful for their grief.
Taps was played at the Amphitheater, as part of the Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service. Dozens of law enforcement officers were in attendance, with their badges covered by a black band in honor of the nine officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Like Albany Police Patrolman Randy Brown who was shot to death June 10th, 1979. His mother, Nellie Kimbro, has attended 30 of these annual services.
"To remember Randy. Of course, I remember him everyday. It's always like yesterday. It never changes," said Officer Randy Brown's Mother Nellie Kimbro.
Each officers name was read, and family members placed carnations on a wreath . Dougherty County Police Corporal Thomas WIlliamson placed one for his father, Captain Thomas Williamson of the Sheriff's Office, who died in 1988 in a car crash. He was only 3, but followed his father and mother into law enforcement.
"This is the only thing I know. It the only thing I want to do. I love helping others and trying to protect those in need," said Corporal Thomas Williamson, the son of Captain Thomas Williamson.
A covered patrol car, and riderless horses symbolize that these officers are gone, but they will not be forgotten. "Family members, friends, and people from all across this nation will know that their deaths were not in vain. We should continue to let it be known that these fallen heroes lives meant something," said Moultrie Police Chief Frank Lang.
Mrs. Kimbro says the officers of today honoring her son and the others is important. "The family appreciates it, too. Very much. It's still hard to get over."
A short service to remember the men who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this community, and prayers that no other names will be added to that list.
Last year, 183 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty across America.
This is national law enforcement appreciation week, a good time to just say thank you to an officer you might see on the street, they have a pretty tough job.
Four Georgia law enforcement officers were killed on duty in Georgia last year. Already this year there have been three officers killed across the state.
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