Ferris State University is hosting the annual Police Memorial on Tuesday, May 8, beginning
at 9 a.m., outside the FLITE library building on the Big Rapids campus.
Ferris Department of Public Safety Director Bruce Borkovich said this is the 15th annual memorial held on campus, a tradition that began under the administration of his predecessor, Martin Bledsoe.
“With our busy schedules, it is important to pause and consider the sacrifice made by law enforcement at all levels, which can include laying down one’s life when dangers arise,” Borkovich said. “There is no great financial reward for those who choose this calling, so we hope students, faculty and staff will join us for this brief and important tribute.”
The program includes a 21-gun salute, the playing of “Taps,” the lowering of the U.S. flag and placement of a wreath.
“We work with the Michigan State Police, Big Rapids Department of Public Safety and Mecosta County Sheriff’s Department on our program,” Borkovich said. “A variety of other agencies regularly send personnel to join us in the memorial. We will be honoring those officers who were Ferris graduates and died in the line of duty.”
Mecosta County Prosecutor Brian Thiede will be the main speaker at the ceremony.
The Police Memorial is free and open to the public, with an opportunity to meet with officers in an adjacent parking lot following the event. National Police Officers Memorial Week will be celebrated from Sunday, May 13 to Saturday, May 19.
FLITE is located at 1010 Campus Drive in Big Rapids.
Anyone with a disability that needs special accommodations to attend this event should contact Dylan Tantalo at (231) 591-5000 or by emailing [email protected] at least 72 hours in advance.
PHOTO CAPTION: An honor guard prepares for the 2017 Police Memorial, which was held
on May 9 near the FLITE Building on the Ferris State University campus. The 15th annual
remembrance will begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 8 on Ferris’ Big Rapids campus.