In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from sun-up to sun-down on Friday, May 8 in honor of the Kansas Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day.
The 33rd Annual Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will be held at noon Friday in the second floor rotunda of the Statehouse. The Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary Topeka #3 will host the 20th annual candlelight vigil will be held at 8 p.m., Thursday May 7 on the first floor rotunda of the Statehouse.
“The memorial is a constant reminder that Kansas officers often place themselves in danger to protect the rest of us,” said Governor Brownback. “Friday’s ceremony is an opportunity for us to come together and reaffirm our commitment to supporting them and paying tribute to those who have paid the ultimate price serving the people of Kansas.”
The name of Topeka Police Corporal Jason Harwood will be added to the memorial and honored this year. Corporal Harwood was shot and killed on Sept. 7, 2014. While conducting a car stop on the city’s east side, one of the vehicle’s occupants drew a weapon and fired several times at Corporal Harwood, fatally wounding him.
With the addition of Corporal Harwood the names of 272 law enforcement officers are on the Kansas Law Enforcement Officers Memorial located on the northeast corner of the capitol grounds.
