Just a couple of days after the shooting deaths of two police officers in Mississippi, law enforcers were gathered in Buffalo for an annual tribute to fallen comrades.Representatives from various agencies including municipal police departments, county sheriffs and New York State gathered inside St. Joseph's Cathedral for a memorial service Monday. That service, which included a 21-gun salute outside the church, ended with officers carrying wreaths to the Police Memorial, located just two blocks south of the cathedral on Franklin Street.
Buffalo Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda told reporters that while the tales of bad cops make the news, there are countless good men and women who put their lives on the line each day to protect and serve their communities.
"Each and every day they go out and do a fantastic job," Derenda said. "A lot of stories you never hear about, but they do great."
This year's memorial came just two days after the slayings of two police officers in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. But many local law enforcers, from New York State Troopers to suburban officers, have also lost their lives while serving.
In Buffalo alone, 47 officers have died in the line of duty. The first was George Dill, fatally shot back in 1865. The most recent was Patricia Parete, who died in 2013, years after suffering a gunshot wound that left her paralyzed.
More names of officers locally and nationwide who have died on duty can be found at the website Officer Down Memorial Page.
