The Newport News Police Department is having a memorial service Friday for its fallen officers.
The virtual ceremony commemorates National Police Week and remembers the 12 police officers who died in the line of duty in Newport News.
“The pandemic that our nation and the world is currently facing has resulted in the cancellation of public gatherings during National Police Week 2020,” according to the NNPD’s Facebook post. “But, the Newport News Police Department wants you to know that National Police Week continues to be the dedicated time on the calendar to honor, remember, and celebrate American Law Enforcement.”
The most recent officer who died on the police force was Officer Katie Thyne, a 24-year-old Navy reservist, who was killed during a traffic stop in January. She left behind her 2-year-old daughter, Raegan and her partner, MPO Brittany Lewis.
The last Newport News police officer killed in the line of duty prior to Thyne was Larry Douglas Bland in 1994.
The ceremony will feature a short program and video available on the NNPD’s social media pages including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Once conditions are safe, the department plans to hold a “proper ceremony” in person tentatively in mid to late August, according to the Facebook post.
The virtual ceremony is Friday, May 15 at 11 a.m. For more information or to view the ceremony, visit the Newport News Police Department’s Facebook page.
YOU ALSO MIGHT WANT TO CHECK OUT THESE STORIES:
- ‘It’s not about how she died, but how she lived and loved’: Community remembers Officer Katie Thyne
- Black Lab donated to Newport News Police in honor of Officer Katie Thyne
- This veterinary hospital is collecting donations for Officer Katie Thyne’s account
- In photos: Officer Katie Thyne escorted to the airport for final trip to her hometown
- ‘She was full of life’: Newport News Police chief remembers fallen officer
- Newport News Police officer killed after being dragged by car during traffic stop
