Pictured is a scene from the 2022 Ferris State University Department of Public Safety
Police Memorial event. (Photo by Sandy Gholston)
The Ferris State University Department of Public Safety’s annual Police Memorial is a yearly on-campus gathering of law enforcement and citizens to pay respect to officers who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
This year’s 18th annual Police Memorial is Tuesday, May 9, beginning at 9 a.m. outdoors on the Robinson Quad. In the event of rain, the event will be moved indoors to the nearby David L. Eisler Center, formerly the University Center. The 2023 Police Memorial will be the first for Ibrahim Haroon, Ferris’ new Department of Public Safety director, who will deliver the ceremony’s keynote address.
“The Police Memorial is a multi-jurisdictional event paying tribute to fallen officers. We work in cooperation with the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Department, the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety and the Michigan State Police to host it,” Haroon said. “Part of what makes this event special is that we have great people from our community who will be involved and we will have students, faculty and staff from Ferris and students, teachers and administrators from Big Rapids Public Schools joining us and participating.”
The Police Memorial includes opportunities for attendees to engage with local, state and federal law enforcement officials before and after the ceremony.
The Police Memorial includes welcoming remarks, the posting of the colors, an invocation followed by messages from Ferris President Bill Pink and Haroon. A special tribute will be paid to Ferris’ fallen officers, followed by a reading of the Police Officer Prayer, a benediction, the playing of bagpipes and the placement of the memorial wreath. The memorial concludes with the traditional 21-gun salute, the playing of Taps and the retirement of colors.
“It’s important for us at the Police Memorial to recognize the men and women in blue who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty for the safety of our communities,” Haroon said. “We pay a special tribute to Ferris alumni who gave their lives serving their communities.”
Anyone with questions or special needs for the event should contact dispatch specialist Brittany Taylor at (231) 591-5000 or email the DPS Dispatch Office at least 72 hours in advance.