Watertown Honors Fallen Heroes at National Police Week Ceremony
- Steve Jurrens
- May 11
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Police Department (WPD) gathered outside its headquarters on a clear, sunny morning to hold a somber and moving ceremony in observance of National Police Week and Peace Officer Memorial Day.
The event, attended by local law enforcement, city officials, and community members, served as a tribute to the men and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
A Stark Reminder of Sacrifice
Opening the ceremony, a WPD official shared sobering statistics on the risks faced by law enforcement officers nationwide. He noted that 151 officers were lost in the line of duty last year, with an additional 36 deaths already recorded so far in 2026.
“To date, 27,110 names are engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Memorial,” the officer stated. “Behind each of those names is a story—of a partner, a parent, a friend, and a public servant who chose a life of duty.”
Community Gratitude and Proclamation
Mayor Ried Holien addressed the crowd, expressing the community’s profound gratitude for the local force’s dedication.
“On behalf of all the citizens of Watertown, I want to express a sincere and heartfelt thank you for all the work that you do and the danger that you put yourselves in so that we don’t have to face that danger ourselves,” Mayor Holien said.
He then read an official proclamation designating the week of May 15, 2026, as National Police Memorial Week in the city of Watertown and May 15 as Peace Officer Memorial Day. The proclamation honored law enforcement as the “guardians of life and property” and “warriors in the battle against crime.”
A Chaplain’s Prayer for Protection
Pastor Hank Roso, who serves as a chaplain for both the police and fire departments, led a prayer for the safety of those currently serving and for the peace of their families. Roso shared that his call to serve as a chaplain began after the events of September 11, 2001.
“God has given me a profound love for you,” Pastor Roso said, addressing the officers in attendance. “I pray for you every time I see you go by with your lights on and your sirens going.”
The Final Salute
The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial flag-raising to half-staff and the playing of “Taps.” Officers stood at attention, offering a final salute as the haunting notes of the bugle echoed across the department grounds.
As the gathering dispersed, the sentiment remained clear: while the names on the memorial wall represent a legacy of sacrifice, the Watertown Police Department’s mission to protect and serve the community continues with renewed resolve.
