MONROE, Conn. — The American flag outside Monroe Town Hall was flown at half mast Friday in recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day, a time to reflect on the sacrifice of fallen local, state and federal police officers who had dedicated their lives to keeping the public safe.
On Friday morning, the town’s Veterans Memorial was flanked by two police SUVs with flashing red and blue strobe lights and First Selectman Terry Rooney stood behind a podium for a press conference. Monroe Police Chief Keith White stood beside him, along with uniformed officers and a K-9.
“To the families of our fallen officers, we cannot imagine your grief and we pay homage to your sacrifice,” Rooney said. “To the men and women of the Monroe Police Department, our firefighters, EMS, town employees and to the residents who are here today, thank you for your attendance.”
A crowd gathered in the parking lot included town employees and Stepney Elementary School first graders who arrived for an annual tour of Town Hall and Edith Wheeler Memorial Library.
“Every May, first graders from our three elementary schools visit Town Hall and the library on the first three Fridays,” said Jamie Sherry, the school district’s K-12 instructional leader for social studies and library media. “This is a great opportunity to see how the government honors community helpers like the police officers and to see how the town government is interconnected.”
During the ceremony, Rooney said, “we gather today at this memorial service to honor those who sacrificed their lives in the name of public safety and, although we have been fortunate in Monroe, the risk of not returning home is the unsettling reality of choosing a career in law enforcement. Monroe has been and remains a safe and welcoming place because of the quiet courage and steady commitment to that daily risk accepted by the officers of the Monroe Police Department.”
Chief White told the crowd about the Peace Officers Memorial Day Ceremony held in Washington, D.C., and recommended attending if the opportunity ever arises. He said the entire Mall fills up with a sea of people, including families of the fallen and a lot of blue can be seen from officers’ uniforms.
“That entire crowd, it’s thousands and thousands of people, goes totally silent as they read the names,” White said. “I feel emotional just telling you about it.”
In closing, White said, “I’ve been in Monroe a long time. I love Monroe. It’s a great community. I love the department. I love the men and women who make up this department. I just want to wish good things for everyone here today.”
‘Courage over fear’
The first selectman said the local, state and federal officers who lost their lives in the line of duty were neighbors, mentors, coaches, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters.
“They were people who protected children at the school bus stop, checked on seniors and responded 24/7, 365 days a year at all hours when any of us has called for help,” Rooney said.
“To those families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty your sacrifice is unimaginable,” he said. “As you carry the memory of the long nights, missed holidays, and the uncertainty of a loved one that braved the fight during times of imminent danger, we honor you today with deep remorse and gratitude.”
Rooney recognized the police officers who were present for continuing to enforce law and order, told them their service is noble and that the community stands behind them.
“As your first selectman, I want you to know I stand behind you,” Rooney said. “I make the promise to all of you and this community that we will continue to work with our men and women of law enforcement in Monroe to ensure you have the training, resources, and support you need to do your jobs safely and effectively. To our people, and to our beloved members of the Monroe community, today is a reminder that the peace we enjoy is not by chance. It has always been and always will be upheld by those individuals that choose service over comfort and courage over fear.”
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In the first photo there’s the American flag and the Connecticut State flag on stands behind the First Selectman. The Latin words on the Connecticut State flag translates “Who Transplants Sustains.” I want to know why the Connecticut State flag does not fly on the main flagpole in front of Town Hall every day? When I drive around the State of Connecticut, other Connecticut towns’ town halls have the Connecticut State flag. Why not our town hall, too? I have gone to the First Selectman’s office to ask this question, and was redirected to Public Works, and never got an answer back. I love this State! I’ve lived here for over 25 years. I never want to move. I fly the Connecticut State flag in front of my house and the American flag on my front kitchen door. I have had people ask me what flay I’m flying in front of my house? How do people not know this flag? Our town hall should be an example of our pride for our state, too.