On Tuesday, May 12, 2009 the Johnston County Fraternal Order of Police held a memorial service and candlelight vigil at the Johnston County Community College Public Safety Training Center.

This event was held in conjunction with National Police Week. which occurs each year during the week in which May 15 falls, recognizes the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

In Johnston County 7 peace officers have given their lives in service to their communities.

Jason Hutchins, president of the Johnston County Fraternal Order of Police told those gathered - "We pay tribute this evening to fallen law enforcement officers who served throughout Johnston County: 6 men and 1 woman of honor and courage killed in the line of duty -- who in times of challenge stood with the innocent against the guilty, with the peaceful against the violent, with the right against the wrong, with the righteous against injustice. When we take the measure of these men and women, we find heroes."

Family members of 4 of the 7 Johnston County peace officers were joined by comrades, colleagues and friends including the president of the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police - Terry Mangum. Hutchins related to the families - "...I know there are no words to ease your sorrow or change the reality of what has been taken from you. These heroes are no longer with us. But I can tell you in our hearts, we will always remember and be grateful for your husband, your wife, your mother, your father, your sister, your brother, your daughter, your son."

The Johnston County Fraternal Order of Police is working with the Johnston County Community College BLET program directed by Jason Godwin - to construct a permanent memorial honoring police officers, fire fighters and ems personnel who died in service to the citizens of Johnston County; making sure that their names and their memories live on in the hearts, minds, and souls of our citizens for generations to come. This is the duty and commitment from the Johnston County Fraternal Order of Police and its membership.