NEWS RELEASE: May 1, 2006
FROM: The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT: LT John Eichkorn 785-296-6800
Trooper Edna R. Buttler
Blue Ribbons to Honor Fallen Law Enforcement Officers
The Kansas Highway Patrol is joining Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) to observe National Police Week from May 14 to May 20, as well as National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day on May 15. COPS is a national non-profit organization for families of officers who died in the line of duty. The Patrol is tying blue ribbons to agency-owned vehicles during this special observance to honor fallen officers and their families.
Patrol Superintendent Colonel William Seck said, “National Police Week is a time to remember and celebrate the lives of fallen officers. When officers tie blue ribbons to our vehicles, we are reminded of the support we give each other and of our convictions to serve the public honorably. When civilians tie the ribbons to their vehicles, officers feel their sincere appreciation and support.”
In 2005, 155 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty in the United States, according COPS and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Kansas sadly lost two officers in the line of duty in 2005. The state has lost one officer in 2006.
Greenwood County Sheriff Matt Samuels was shot and killed on Jan. 19, 2005, while serving a search warrant at a rural residence that contained an active methamphetamine lab. Sheriff Samuels had served with the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office for 21 years, including five years as sheriff.
Harvey County Sheriff’s Deputy Kurt Ford was fatally shot on April 9, 2005, as he and other officers responded to a domestic violence call in south Newton. Deputy Ford had been a 17-year law enforcement veteran, including service with the Newton Police Department, the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office, Hesston Police Department and the Douglas County (Colo.) Sheriff’s Office.
Seward County Sheriff’s Deputy Cory Ricks was killed in a traffic crash on Jan. 16, 2006. He was transporting a juvenile prisoner from Garden City to Liberal when his vehicle struck a truck that was stopped and waiting to turn on US-83 in Haskell County.
A limited supply of official COPS ribbons will be available at many Kansas law enforcement agencies, including your local Kansas Highway Patrol troop headquarters. If the official COPS ribbons are not available, any 18-inch strip of royal blue ribbon will show your support.
In addition to participating in the blue ribbon campaign, the public is encouraged to attend the 24th Annual Kansas Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Service at 11:30 a.m., Friday, May 5 at the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial, located on the northeast corner of the Capitol Grounds, near S.W. 8 th and Jackson. The memorial has been renovated, and it will be rededicated during the ceremony Friday. In addition, there is a Candlelight Vigil at 8 p.m., Thursday, May 4 at the memorial.