Ceremony honors fallen officers

By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor.

HART — Law enforcement officers from all county agencies joined together Wednesday, May 13, at noon for the Oceana County Police Memorial, which honors fallen officers.

Oceana County Sheriff Robert Farber gave the introduction, followed by a opening prayer by Pastor George Reed of the Shelby United Congregational Church of Christ.

Honor guards were Nick and Chase Simon, and “Taps” was performed by Hart High School band members Tessa Holzwrat, Baley LeMire and Jack Wittman.

Oceana County Jail Corrections Sgt. Shari Sailor was the guest speaker, and Lt. Bethany Carrier recited the Policeman’s Prayer. Reserve Officer Jim Johnson laid the wreath in honor of the deceased men and women in law enforcement.

Reed provided the closing prayer, and a luncheon followed at the sheriff’s office.

In 2014, Michigan lost three officers in the line of duty:

– Ingham County Sheriff’s Deputy Sheriff Grand William Whitaker, cause of death – vehicle pursuit, Dec. 7.

– Michigan Department of Corrections Officer Chad Charles, cause of death – heart attack, May 21.

– Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago – Detroit Branch Police K9 Remi, cause of death – car accident, Jan. 13.