May 6, 2008

NH Police Memorial Service

On Monday May 12, 2008 the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Memorial will be held at the site of the Memorial at 10:00 AM. The New Hampshire Police Memorial is located behind the State House in Concord. All sworn and civilian members of Law Enforcement, Department of Corrections, the Legislature, the Public and the Media are invited to attend. The program will last approximately one hour. The program will consist of a few speakers, including Governor John Lynch and U.S. Marshal Stephen Monier. An Honorable Roll Call will recognize the names of the 42 fallen police officers, while a flower is placed in the memorial wreath. The New Hampshire Police Association Pipes & Drum Band will play many popular bag pipe lyrics, including Amazing Grace. The event is sponsored by the New Hampshire Troopers' Association, the New Hampshire Police Association and the Chiefs of Police Association of New Hampshire.

This year the name of Officer Bruce McKay of the Franconia Police Department will be officially recognized and permanently etched on the wall of the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial. Officer McKay was shot and killed in the line of duty on May 11, 2007 in the Town of Franconia, NH.

Both Officer Bruce McKay of the Franconia Police Department and Lieutenant Ivan Hayes of the NH State Police will be honored and their names officially added to the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial during a ceremony in Washington, DC on May 15, 2008. Lieutenant Hayes was killed in the line of duty on July 18, 1959. He suffered a fatal heart attack while effecting an arrest.

The New Hampshire Law Enforcement Memorial Committee is still seeking approximately $25,000.00 in donations for the perpetual care fund. Any contribution amount would be greatly appreciated. Checks may be made payable to the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Memorial and mailed to Memorial Treasurer Chief Tim Russell at the Henniker Police Department, 2 Depot Street, Henniker, NH 03242.

There will be a reception held after the service, hosted by the Concord Police Patrolman's Association and the Concord Police Benevolent Association behind City Hall, or in the event of inclement weather, at the Green Street Community Center located at the same location. All are welcome.

Any questions should be directed to Sergeant Bruce Twyon of the New Hampshire State Police at 228-8228 or Major Timothy Acerno of the Department of Fish & Game at 271-3129.