Hundreds of civilians, city officials and law enforcement showed up to honor those who serve as police officers in the Portage community. Located at Frank Gilbert Jr. Memorial Park, members of Portage's finest showed up to honor and remember those who have and those who continue to serve.
"Today is a day to commemorate and honor those who have given themselves to the community, it takes a special kind of character to be a police officer and it is certainly not always an easy job," said Portage Police Chief Troy Williams.
During the ceremony, the officers were greeted with an opening of the Star Spangled Banner, along with a bagpipe rendition of Amazing Grace. To also help commemorate this event, members of the Portage ROTC were also on hand to hold a firing salute to all of those in the police force who serve.
"This profession can take a toll on you, but I can tell you as chief of this police department, I see the men and women come in everyday with a drive and a passion to make our community a better place for us and our children to live in."
During the ceremony, several awards were given to officers to honor their bravery and sacrifice they have given to the citizen of Portage. With acts of valor ranging from stopping theft to helping injured civilians, each officer was given a moment of recognition for their continuous sacrifice and sense of duty they bring to the job each day.
"The Portage Police department has been fortunate to have never lost an officer in the line of duty. However, there are officers here who have given untold amounts of time and effort to keep this city safe and crime-free, and that is who we are honoring today."
Members of the police force were not the only members recognized during the ceremony. Several members of the community who have helped out or assisted the Portage police force over the years were also given recognition for the important work and services they provide to the police force, including Portage's own Precision Towing.
"We want to recognize the team at Precision Towing for always being there to help out the department when we needed them," said Williams. "They have been there to help our force a countless number of times, and we are thankful for what they have done for us."
The ceremony closed with heartfelt thanks from the Portage police chief, expressing his recognition for all who have served and the continually dangerous work these men and women do everyday to keep Portage and its citizens safe.
"Police officers are expected to do their job without emotion and to work efficiently," said Williams. "Because of that, I want to personally thank each and every one of you for all that you do."