Anchorage, Ak — In honor of Police Memorial Day, Alaskans in Anchorage and Juneau paid their respects for 62 fallen Law Enforcement Officers. Officials at the State Crime Laboratory read the names of those who lost their lives in the line of duty and rang a bell for each officer.
Alaska typically holds the ceremonies on the Friday before the National Memorial to allow the fallen members' families to attend both events.
Jean Mills, who is one of the most recent police officers to receive an injury while on the job served as the keynote speaker at the ceremony. "There will never be enough good things to say about these men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice," she said.
Fairbanks will hold a ceremony for the fallen officers on May 15th.
Also in honor of Police Memorial Day, the Anchorage Police Department awarded 8 of their current and former officers with The Police Shield. The shields are awarded to officers who suffered serious injuries while on the job.
