On Friday, May 20, dozens of people gathered in Public Safety Memorial Park to honor 34 fallen officers during the annual Peace Officers Memorial Day Ceremony. 

The event happens on the Friday of National Police Week every year, and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Macon-Bibb County Fire Department, and former Macon Police Department join together to honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. Sadly, this year two more names were added to the Bibb Sheriff’s Memorial. The families of Christopher Wilson Knight and William “Bill” Warren Gay unveiled their names. 

“Today we pay tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to our community,” said organizer Warren Selby. “We also want to voice appreciation to those who currently serve and protect us with courage and dedication.” 

During the ceremony, the name of each fallen officer is read aloud along with their end of watch date, as the Honor Guard places a white rose at the base of the of the monument. The roses signify strength, respect, devotion, and love.