The Danville Police Department and Vermilion Co Sheriff’s Departments join forces at the traditional police memorial ceremony

Under somewhat ominous skies that never opened, the traditional police memorial ceremony took place Thursday morning (May 9) at Sunset Memorial Park. Sheriff Pat Hartshorn said afterward that it was wonderful what this event had become since the police and sheriff’s departments combined their efforts.

ABOVE: Vermilion County Sheriff Pat Hartshorn and Danville Police Chief Christopher Yates listen as Reverend Frank McCullough speaks.

AUDIO: The ceremony has definitely grown over the years. We started this when the Danville Police Department had their own ceremony for their officers, and we had our own ceremony for our officer. And we merged 20 a few years ago. And now when I look at the crowd, it has become a community event, not just a departmental event.

(1st image) Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. reads the names of those honored for their sacrifices. (3rd picture) Police Chief Yates and Sheriff Hartshorn after the annual wreath presentation.

As always, the three remember Danville Police Department Patrolman David Farnsworth, who lost his life in the line of duty in 1976; and Officer August Lind, who lost his life in 1908. Also honored is Vermilion County Sheriff’s Sergeant Myron Deckard, who died in 2001. Their names were read by Danville Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr.

AUDIO: As Pastor McCullough said: There is no greater love than this, than when a man lays down his life for a friend. But imagine giving your life for people you don’t know. Imagine helping someone and instead getting hit by gunfire and losing your life. We will not accept their sacrifice in vain. And it is important that we honor their memory and also love, respect and care for those they left behind.

Next week, May 12-18, is National Police Week.