Area Law Enforcement Agencies Honor Fallen Officers

Area law enforcement agencies and officials gathered at the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday to honor fallen officers across the state.

Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris said the ceremony was dedicated to the families of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

“We certainly want to recognize and let them know that the support is still there for them,” Farris said. “There’s a lot of young deputies and young police officers in law enforcement across the country that, until something close to home happens and it becomes reality, they just don’t understand. It’s a time to remind most of our deputies please don’t take things for granted, life is very fragile. Things can change in a second.”

The ceremony comes as part of National Peace Officer’s Memorial Day and National Police Week.

Cookeville Police Chief Randy Evans said the close bond between law enforcement agencies across the Upper Cumberland keeps the region unified.

“We truly function as a law enforcement community,” Evans said. “We respect each other and respect each other’s territory. We work within that framework and it’s just truly a blessing that we have that kind of community.”

President John F. Kennedy first signed a bill into law in 1962 proclaiming May 15 as National Peace Officer Memorial Day.

At least 25 officers have passed away in the Upper Cumberland since 1887, with the most recent being Crossville K9 Cain in 2017.