(Additional photograph below.)
The Haverhill Police Department paused Friday to honor and recognize officers who came before them during a short ceremony in observation of National Peace Officers Memorial Day.
Officer Kaylee Sarfde, president of the Haverhill Police Relief Association, served as master of ceremonies.
“Each year on Peace Officers Memorial Day we gather to honor and remember the law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while also recognizing all officers who have served including members of the Haverhill Police Department who are no longer with us. Today we honor their service, sacrifice and their lasting impact on this department,” Sarfde began.
National Peace Officers Memorial Day was established in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy to honor law enforcement officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.
The Rev. John Delaney, pastor of Haverhill’s Sacred Hearts Parish, opened the service with a brief prayer. Then under a drizzle of light rain, Haverhill Police Patrolman’s Association President Conor Clark and acting Sgt. Michael Tortorise lowered the American flag in from police headquarters and replaced it with a new flag donated by Shoe City Hardware. Tracy and Sarfde placed a decorated wreath, donated by Angelo the Florist, at the base of the flagpole.
Tracy thanked everyone for coming and asked them not to forget those who serve and have served.
“May we never forget the cost of service, the strength of duty and the bond shared by all who wear and have worn the badge,” he said.
In succession, 15 officers stepped out to read the names of the 162 deceased men and women who have served the city as Haverhill Police officers. The final name was Twister, the department’s third K-9 officer, who died unexpected last month shortly after joining the department.
The Rev. Mark Rivera, pastor of Riverside Church on Groveland Street, delivered the benediction and Detective Douglas Angus played Taps on his bugle to end the ceremony.
City officials taking part included Haverhill Mayor Melinda E. Barrett, at-large City Councilor Thomas J. Sullivan and Ward 1 City Councilor Ralph T. Basiliere.
Haverhill Police Officer Alexa Carvalho reads the names of deceased members of the Haverhill Police Department during the department’s ceremony in observance of National Peace Officers Memorial Day. (WHAV News photograph.)