A Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony was held at Oak Grove Cemetery in honor of National Police Week. The event began with remarks from an unnamed Police Chief, who spoke about the ultimate sacrifice made by law enforcement officers locally and nationwide. He introduced Father Rob, who led the attendees in a moment of silence and a prayer for the safety of all officers. During the moment of silence, Father Rob read the names of seven fallen officers from Fall River's history, from Constable Gideon Manchester in 1852 to Detective Richard G. Mcan in 2000. He also acknowledged the recent death of Massachusetts State Trooper Kevin Trainer on May 6th, 2026. The Police Chief acknowledged several dignitaries in attendance, including Mayor Paul Coogan, State Representative Alan Sylvia, Councilor Michael Canuel, and Councilor Chris Peekham. He spoke about the dangers of the profession, referencing a recent officer-involved shooting in February where two officers were shot but survived. The ceremony concluded with Flag Officer Vic Faras playing Taps in tribute to the fallen officers. The Chief thanked the community members present for their support, emphasizing the strong bond between the police and the people they serve.
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Council
Public / Other
Good morning everyone. Uh we invited everyone here today uh in honor of National Police Week to honor the fallen officers not only in Fall River, Massachusetts, but also nationwide and internationally. Uh this evening uh officers and families and and the community from around the world will gather in Washington DC for the candlelight vigil which is a very moving remembrance of all the fallen officers
0:25and lives that were lost as part of uh the ultimate sacrifice. Uh but as we get started in this um presentation today, I'm going to call up Father Rob uh who exemplifies service in our community. I don't think uh he measures his success by any recognition. He measures it by the impact that he has on this community. So he should be recognized for that as well. Father Rob, thank you. Chief,
0:54May 15th is Peace Officers Memorial Day, an important part of National Police Week, remembering those who have given their lives in the line of duty. At this time, let us have a moment of silence for those police officers who have sacrificed and been killed in the line of duty.
1:20We especially remember from Fall River, Detective Richard G. Mcan, August 11th, 2000.
1:29Officer Thomas J. Jonta, August 24th, 1994.
1:37Officer John W. Rogerio, July 23rd, 1973.
1:45Officer Armen J. Defrain, July 1st, 1925.
1:52Officer Jeremiah McDonald, September 27th, 1918.
2:00Officer Lewis T. Gormley, August 23rd, 1898.
2:07Constable Gideon Manchester.
2:10July 16th, 1852.
2:15And just this past week, Massachusetts State Trooper Kevin Trainer was laid to rest who was killed in a line of duty on May 6th 2026.
2:28Let us never forget their sacrifice and may they rest in peace eternal.
2:35Please join me in prayer.
2:38Almighty God, whose great power and eternal wisdom embraces the universe, watch over all police and law enforcement officers.
2:47Protect them from harm and the performance of their duty to stop crime and violence as they serve and protect our community. We pray help them keep our streets and homes safe day and night.
3:04We commend them to your loving care and protection because their duty is dangerous. As they put the needs and cares of others before their own, grant them your understanding, strength, and courage in their daily assignments.
3:24Give them your protection and unite them safely with their families after duty has ended. This we ask in your most holy name. Amen. May St. Michael the Archangel watch over, protect, and intercede for all of you. May Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
3:47Thank you, Father Rob. I'd just like to recognize Mayor Paul Coogan, who's in attendance here. I'd like to also recognize his support for our law enforcement agency here in Forever. Rep.
3:56Alan Sylvia, who went on to serve as a future further public service here as a state representative. uh but also served on the forever police uh proudly and councelor Michael Canuel is here and I believe uh councelor Chris Peekham is in attendance as well. Uh all I will say is that uh forever is not shy of having ultimate sacrifice happen in our community uh and it's it's definitely driven us to our core sometimes or
4:19shaken us to our core. In February we had several officers involved in an officer involved shooting in which two of those officers were shot uh but unfortunately well fortunately were not killed in the line of duty. Uh that typical thing doesn't happen every single day in the in the law enforcement community, but when it does, it definitely uh puts things in perspective of uh why we do this job and how
4:40dangerous it can be and that the profession of public safety, especially law enforcement, uh is a commitment to serve and a commitment to protect often at our own personal sacrifice. So with that said, I wanted to recognize also the officers in attendance here that are coming to pay respect to our fallen officers and a legacy that continues on through our department. These officers
5:01live through the walls in our building because of what they did when they served our community. So let them never be forgotten. Uh I now welcome uh flag officer Vic Faras to pay play taps and tribute to the officers that have fallen.
6:23Last but not least, I'd also like to thank the members of the community that are here. Uh that's the most important part about uh the law enforcement agency is the community that supports us and stands alongside us. Uh the people are the police and the police are the people. So, uh, these officers shed their uniform and put their badge down at the end of the day and become, uh, contributing members of every community
6:43out there. So, with that said, I just want to thank everyone for their time today and, uh, honoring all of our fallen officers, not only in Fall River, but nationally as well. Thank you very much.