Sheriff's Office • 100 North Fifth Avenue West • Duluth, MN 55802 Phone: (218) 726-2340 • www.stlouiscountymn.gov
Ross Litman Sheriff
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 25, 2016
Media Contact: Father
John Petrich, Chaplain
St.
Louis County Law Enforcement Chaplain’s Association
(218) 348-0247
Law enforcement memorial luncheon is
May 16
Since 1990,
area law enforcement officers and, chaplains have gathered annually to honor
and remember colleagues who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. This
year, for the first time, that time of fellowship will take place at lunch
rather than breakfast. The 27th annual Law Enforcement Memorial
Prayer Luncheon, hosted by the St. Louis County Law Enforcement Chaplain’s
Association will be Monday, May 16, at noon, in the Great Lakes Ballroom of the
Duluth Holiday Inn. The luncheon is presented in cooperation with the St. Louis
County Sheriff’s Office and Duluth Police Department.
Keynote
speaker at this year’s event is Scott Lyons, who plans to talk about personal
leadership and faith. Lyons served with the Duluth Police Department from 1976
to 2002, including the last 11 years as Police Chief. Following his retirement,
he worked as the Law Enforcement Training Coordinator at Fond du Lac Tribal and
Community College until 2014. He now runs his own consulting business.
“Working
in law enforcement can be dangerous, emotional and – unfortunately we’re seeing
it more and more lately – sometimes unappreciated,” said Father John Petrich of
the St. Louis County Law Enforcement Chaplain’s Association. “It’s important we
remember these officers who put themselves in harm’s way, especially those
who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice; just as it’s important for these brave men
and women to have an opportunity for fellowship with their colleagues.”
In
2015 in the United States, 123 officers died while serving their communities,
according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Another 30
officers have fallen in the line of duty in just the first three months of this
year.
The
annual prayer event is held in conjunction with National Police Week, which
this year is May 15-21, 2016.
