ANNISTON, AL – Under somber gray skies, law enforcement officers, officials, and community members gathered Friday morning at Centennial Memorial Park in Anniston for the annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service to honor fallen officers from across Alabama.
The ceremony, held during National Police Week, marked the 10th anniversary of the memorial and was particularly poignant as it was the first ceremony held without Ken Rollins, the memorial’s founder, who was prominently acknowledged during the event.
The memorial service drew an impressive array of law enforcement and government officials from across the region. Distinguished guests included Oxford Police Chief Bill Partridge, Calhoun County Commission Chairman Terry Howell, Retired Sheriff Matthew Wade, Senator Keith Kelley, and current Calhoun County Sheriff Falon Hurst.
Also present were Oxford Fire Chief Gary Sparks, Anniston Fire Chief Jeff Waldrop, Sergeant Ryan Key from the Alabama State Troopers, Calhoun County District Attorney Lynn Hammond, and Anniston Councilwoman Millie Harris.
Several representatives from elected officials’ offices attended, including Matt Raita from Senator Tommy Tuberville’s office, Melissa Battles from Senator Katie Britt’s office, and Shea Miller representing Congressman Mike Rogers.
The ceremony began with the posting of colors by an honor guard comprised of officers from Anniston, Oxford, Calhoun County, and Vestavia Hills, followed by a moving rendition of the National Anthem.
Oxford Police Chief Bill Partridge delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the significance of the memorial and National Police Week.
“As we observe National Police Week, we take a moment to recognize and honor the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and their families in the pursuit of safety in our communities,” Partridge said. “This week serves as a reminder of the dedication, courage, and commitment exhibited by those who wear the badge.”
Partridge also paid special tribute to Ken Rollins, whose photograph was displayed prominently at the ceremony. “Ken’s unwavering commitment to creating and maintaining memorials and tribute to our fallen officers is a testament to his deep respect for those who have served,” Partridge noted.
The chief emphasized the importance of ongoing support for law enforcement and their families. “During this National Police Week, let us extend our gratitude to all law enforcement personnel and their families. We honor the fallen, celebrate the resilience of those who continue to serve, and recognize the vital role they play in maintaining the safety and well-being of our communities. Imagine for a moment a country without these men and women standing the thin blue line.”
The memorial service drew law enforcement representatives from across the region, along with numerous local and state officials. The ceremony began with the posting of colors by an honor guard comprised of officers from Anniston, Oxford, Calhoun County, and Vestavia Hills, followed by a moving rendition of the National Anthem.
A moment of reflection during the ceremony revealed how deeply the memorial touches the community, as numerous attendees raised their hands when asked if they knew someone commemorated on the memorial wall.
Calhoun County Sheriff Falon Hurst emphasized the significance of the memorial’s location. “I’d like to emphasize the reminder that the state’s official memorial being right here in Calhoun County is a testament to the commitment of the organizers and to the feeling this county has for its public servants,” Hurst said.
Commissioner Terry Howell expressed gratitude to law enforcement agencies throughout the county. “I would like to say thanks to all that serve or have served in law enforcement. We have many agencies. Whether it be CCSO, Anniston, Oxford, Jacksonville, Weaver, Piedmont, Ohatchee, or JSU. We enjoy being part of law enforcement week each year,” Howell said. “We also extend utmost support from the entire Calhoun County Commission. Special thanks to Chief Bill Partridge for stepping up to fill the void from everyone’s friend Ken Rollins. He will forever be missed.”
Weaver Police Chief Wayne Bush spoke about the emotional weight carried by the law enforcement community. “Being in law enforcement is a hard job especially when we lose a member forever. It’s important for everyone to remember these brave men and women that gave the ultimate sacrifice to their communities for trying to keep everyone safe,” Bush said. “We also pray for the families that have lost their husband, wife, father, mother, brother, sister, son, or daughter, as they lost more than a police officer.”
Jacksonville State University Police Chief Michael Barton reflected on the personal impact of the memorial. “National Police Week and the Alabama Law Enforcement Memorial is meaningful as a time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice the fallen officers have made to our state and country,” Barton said. “It is also important during this time to honor the families of the fallen officers. As a law enforcement officer, each death or injury is an impactful symbol of selflessness service that law enforcement officers demonstrate each day. We will never forget.”
Piedmont Police Chief Nathan Johnson emphasized how the memorial provides an opportunity for reflection. “We take a moment today to remember and pay tribute to our Law Enforcement Officers who have lost their lives while serving. This commemoration invites self-reflection, prompting us to evaluate our goals,” Johnson said. “The memorial is a heartfelt ceremony honoring the memories of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety.”
Ohatchee Police Chief Alan Kelly shared similar sentiments. “Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women of Alabama law enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. These heroes stood between danger and safety, embodying the true meaning of courage, service, and selflessness,” Kelly said. “We remember their names, their stories, and the loved ones they left behind. May their legacy forever guide and strengthen us as we continue the mission they held so dear.”
Mike Raita, representing Senator Tommy Tuberville, emphasized the senator’s commitment to law enforcement. “As you probably know, Senator Tuberville ran to be the law enforcement senator. He is all about backing the blue, and that’s evident in the way he appropriates money,” Raita said. “He requests millions of dollars every year for law enforcement agencies all across the state for equipment, whether it be cars, cameras, computers, radios, everything that can help make their job easier and safer.”
State Senator Keith Kelley spoke about the memorial’s importance for families of the fallen. “I think it’s important every year that we have a memorial service for those that have lost their lives because it not only affected them who are losing their lives, but their family and their loved ones around,” Kelley said. “This is an excellent way for us to honor them and also let their families know that they’re not forgotten.”
Circuit Clerk Kim McCarson reflected on the week’s events and the absence of the memorial’s founder. “We had another successful year with our law enforcement appreciation week. We ended the week memorizing our heroes – those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty,” McCarson said. “The memorial today was the first event without Ken Rollins and, we sure felt his absence. But, he would be proud of the Centennial Wall Committee for continuing what he started.”
The ceremony concluded with a prayer and final moments of reflection, with attendees encouraged to reach out to families of fallen officers not just during National Police Week, but throughout the year.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Memorial in Anniston serves as a permanent tribute to officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty across the state.
