National Police Week

​​Athens Police to honor those on the 
End of Watch List for National Police Week

Six names from the Athens Police Department comprise the End of Watch List for Limestone County, which holds nine names.

These names from Athens Police, Limestone County Sheriff’s Department and Alabama Troopers are those in law enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving Athens and Limestone County. As part of National Police Week, Athens Police will host its annual Police Memorial in Downtown Athens. The public event will be Thursday, May 18, at 5 p.m. on the northwest side of the Limestone County Courthouse by the law enforcement memorial.

Athens Police Chief Floyd Johnson said the APD Honor Guard will place a wreath at the memorial as part of the short ceremony.

“These officers went to work not knowing it would be their last day,” Johnson said. “That is something you have to accept as officer, that during your daily routine, something tragic can happen.”

One officer was transporting blood when he was injured in an automobile accident, developed a blood clot and died. Another officer was killed during a welfare check on an individual.

“I invite the public to join us to honor these officers and show support to many of their families who still live in our community,” Johnson said.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

After the public event, APD’s Honor Guard will place new flags at the graves of Athens officers buried in Athens and Limestone County cemeteries.