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TOP JOBS

By ASHLIE OSBURN
Staff Writer

Grey sprinkling clouds mirrored the solemn mood during the annual Tyler-Smith County Fallen Peace Officers Memorial at noon Wednesday at the T.B. Butler Fountain Plaza in downtown Tyler.

More than 50 people came to honor peace officers killed in the line of duty.

Supporters ranging from cowboys to those in business suits slowly walked to the memorial, whispering to friends and family before the ceremony.

"I just wanted to help support officers that protect us," said Sandy Deveraux-Scott, of Tyler.

Two rows of metal chairs were reserved for family members of fallen officers.

Among those was wife of Chaplain James Ballard, who died last weekend from heart failure.

Although he was not a peace officer, officials honored the former Lindale mayor with a wreath.

"He initiated our chaplain program back in 95," said Gary Lynch, Tyler Police Department's director of volunteer services.

Officers clad in white gloves placed a wreath of red roses at the front of the Smith County Peace Officers Memorial.

The crowd displayed somber faces as officers raised the flag full-staff with the national anthem playing softly in the background.

Chaplain Jerry Page said the opening prayer, asking for protection for officers and their families.

The sound of bagpipes filled the air as Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Don Martin read the list of officers killed in the line of duty. Martin said nine have died in Smith County.

Family members and representatives of fallen Smith County officers walked through a parallel line of rifles carried by Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, each placing a single yellow rose in the wreath. White roses represented the 19 Texas peace officers killed in the past year.

Men removed their hats and several lowered their heads in reverence while Martin listed the officers. With heads lowered in respect, some shuddered at the sound of the Tyler Police Honor Guard's 21-gun salute.

The sound of a car alarm, set off from the gunshots, echoed through the square while Martin ended the memorial. "Hopefully we'll have no more names to read next year," Martin said.

Family members received embraces and encouragement as the DPS Honor Guards and Tyler police officers lowered the flag to half-staff.

"Anytime you're recognizing the lives that are given to keep us safe, it's very moving," said Barbara Bass, Tyler's mayor-elect.