Law enforcement agencies from Western New York and Southern Ontario will honor the sacrifices made by officers killed in the line of duty on May 15 at the 25th annual Niagara County Interfaith Police Memorial Service to be held at 7 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 140 Rainbow Blvd., Niagara Falls.
The service gives special recognition to law enforcement officers who gave their lives for the safety and protection of others and will include the recitation of the Roll of Honor — the names of those fallen officers — followed by the rendering of full military-style honors by an interagency honor guard.
The first Niagara County Interfaith Police Memorial Service was held in 1999. It has been held every year since with the exception of a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s host pastor will be the Rev. Canon Helen O. Harper. This year’s speaker will be state Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt.
Senator Ortt, who represents the 62nd Senate District, which covers all of Niagara and Orleans counties, was sworn into office in January 2015 and was elected minority leader by Senate Republicans in 2020.
The New York Army National Guard veteran was awarded the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal and Combat Infantryman’s Badge in recognition of his service during Operation Enduring Freedom.
A reception will be held following the service. For more information contact Rev. Patrick Bradley at 716-804-4181 (bradleypj@gmail.com) or the Rev. Canon Helen Harper at 716-282-1717 (urbanpriest@gmail.com).