Anniston, AL – The culmination of National Police Week in Calhoun County took place Friday morning as law enforcement officers, retirees, elected officials, volunteers, and community members gathered at Centennial Memorial Park in Anniston for the 11th Annual Alabama Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony.
Held at the Alabama Law Enforcement Memorial located within Centennial Memorial Park in Anniston, the ceremony served as a solemn conclusion to National Police Week by honoring officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while serving and protecting their communities and fellow officers.
The ceremony included an invocation by Dr. C.O. Grinstead, posting of the colors by local honor guards, the national anthem performed by Judge Alice Martin, remarks from Kim McCarson, and a keynote address from former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Jay Mitchell. Music was provided by the Alabama Law Enforcement Memorial Pipes and Drums.
While the memorial ceremony marked the end of Police Week activities in the area, organizers noted that the memorial event itself is separate from the Police Week appreciation luncheons hosted earlier in the week.
From Monday through Thursday, the Alabama Law Enforcement Appreciation Foundation (ALEAF) hosted its annual Police Week luncheons at the Anniston Meeting Center honoring active and retired law enforcement officers and dispatchers throughout the 7th Judicial Circuit.
ALEAF, led by Chairman Tobi Burt, has organized the appreciation meals and officer recognition events for 11 years. The luncheons focused on celebrating and supporting current and retired officers through meals, gifts, volunteer service, and community appreciation, while Friday’s memorial ceremony focused on honoring fallen officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Throughout the week, officers attending in person at the Anniston Meeting Center were served lunch, while officers on duty were also provided to-go meals. Volunteers included elected officials, judges, and community members who participated in serving officers and showing appreciation for local law enforcement agencies.
This year, ALEAF provided each attending officer with a custom engraved Bear & Son Cutlery multi-tool made in Jacksonville, AL.
The week featured themed meals sponsored and prepared by local businesses and organizations, including Texas Roadhouse, WM Grocery, Ron’s Goode BBQ, and Nett’s Kitchen Catering. Sponsors included Elect Tobi Burt for Calhoun County Commission, Oxford Lumber, Sunny King Automotive, and the Calhoun County Republican Party.
Monday’s luncheon also included a special recognition honoring retired law enforcement officers for their years of service.
The Anniston Police Department expressed appreciation to the community for its continued support throughout National Police Week and reaffirmed its commitment to serving and protecting the community.
