National Police Week

Story and Photos by Andy Chandler

What began as a proclamation by President Kennedy in 1962 to recognize fallen police officers and celebrate those currently serving their communities has now become National Police Week throughout the nation. 

Last week, law enforcement officers from across Montgomery County assembled at the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office in Crawfordsville for a procession to honor the fallen. Departing from the sheriff’s office, the procession of around 30 police vehicles made two stops at graves in Oak Hill Cemetery on the north side of the city to place a wreath and salute the fallen. The officers honored at Oak Hill Cemetery were Lesley Dale Oaks (End of Watch 5/3/1982), and Russell Max Baldwin (EOW 9/27/1974).  

From there the procession headed to New Richmond and paid their respects at the grave of Richard M. Clapp (EOW 12/5/2003).  

Returning to the Sheriff’s Office, there was a memorial service held in front of a monument to fallen officers. Part of the service involved a bagpiper playing Amazing Grace, a 21-gun salute, and a proclamation by Mayor Todd Barton.  

The ceremonies were attended by about 60 members of the community and law enforcement from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Crawfordsville Police Department, town constables from multiple areas in the county and the Indiana State Police.