Arkansas Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge (File image)
The names of fallen law enforcement officers from a 12-county region will be read aloud Friday as the Old Independence Regional Museum hosts a ceremony for Peace Officers Memorial Day.
The 1:30 p.m. event at the museum aims to commemorate officers killed in the line of duty within the historical boundaries of Old Independence County. Arkansas Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge is scheduled to deliver the keynote address.
The program also includes OIRM Board President James Sturch, retired law enforcement training instructor Darren Plaster, and a prayer offered by Elliott Andrews. In addition to the roll call of fallen officers, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Honor Guard will conduct a flag demonstration accompanied by bagpipes.
The observance follows a tradition established in 1962, when President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. The national movement honors both the deceased and active-duty officers; the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington currently lists more than 21,000 names of those killed in service.
Museum officials said the event is an opportunity for the public to reflect on the service and sacrifice of local law enforcement. More information regarding the ceremony or museum membership is available at 870-793-2121 or oirm.org.
The Old Independence Regional Museum, located at 380 S. 9th St., in Batesville (Image by Gena Tate, White River Now)
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