Local Police Agencies Honoring Fallen Officers

In conjunction with National Police Week, a patrol car featuring a thin blue line across the windshield is currently parked outside the Buchanan County sheriff's department headquarters in Independence.

According to a news release, the unit is being displayed all this week in memory of the thousands of law enforcement personnel across the country who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It also symbolizes the men and women who currently serve in law enforcement today.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which the date falls as National Police Week. In 1994, President Bill Clinton ordered that the United States flag be displayed at half-staff on all government buildings on May 15 each year.

National Police Week this year is May 14-20, 2017. Americans are taking time during the seven-day period to pay special recognition to those law enforcement officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice while in uniform, and they're giving thanks to those who currently protect and serve.

Police officers, sheriff's deputies, state troopers, conservation officers, park rangers and federal agents are among the many officials who work hard every day for the safety of others. They are among the first to respond when something goes wrong and are willing to lay down their lives in an effort to protect the communities they serve.

On Wednesday (May 17), an annual ceremony honoring fallen officers from Black Hawk County will be held in downtown Waterloo. The 10 a.m. memorial service, hosted by the Evansdale Police Department, will be held outside Veterans Memorial Hall, 655 Cedar St.

The public ceremony will include a roll call of 14 men from five different law enforcement agencies within the county who have died in the line of duty. The newest addition to the list is Adam Liddle, a second-shift Waterloo police officer. He died of sudden cardiac arrest during an off-duty morning workout on Oct. 29, 2015, less than 24 hours after responding to numerous calls for service.

Black Hawk County's ceremony rotates among the various local agencies each year. The 2016 event was hosted by Cedar Falls police.