Officers, Residents Gather for Memorial

Area residents and officers from a variety of departments showed  up to on Wednesday to celebrate National Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Port Washington Police Chief Richard Thomas began the ceremony with a welcome speech, and Port Washington Police Captain Michael Keller was the emcee for the evening.

Officers saluted a display at the front of the church, and took part in other ceremonial activities, such as the posting of the colors and a rifle salute.

Other people involved in the presentation of the ceremony included:

• Port Washington Mayor Scott Huebner read a proclamation declaring the day National Peace Officers Memorial Day;
• The Rev. Pat Wendt read a psalm and prayer at the ceremony;
• Dick Vajgrt sang "Surely the Presence of the Lord is in this Place";
• District Attorney Adam Gerol was the keynot speaker for the evening;
• Lt. Kevin Hingiss, the Port Washington Police Department Honor Guard and the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Department Honor Guard presented the end of watch list — which names fallen police officers. 
• Mary Van Pieterson performed "Heroes Unsung";
• The Rev. Tom Lijewski gave the final blessing at the ceremony;
• Tom McKale, an Emerald Society bagpiper, played "Amazing Grace";
• Port Washinton Police Department Honor Guard presented the rifle salute;
• and Don Haseley, Burgler VFW Post 5373 Honor Guard, performed Taps.