The Iowa Police Department, along with Iowa Mayor Neal Watkins, officially designated Thursday, May 18, as Police Officer Memorial Day.

The proclamation was made during the Iowa Police Department’s annual Memorial Service held during National Police Week.

“I have been here such a short time, but to each one of you officers, I appreciate everything you do,” said Watkins. “While we can never repay the debt we owe to these fallen officers and their families, we can honor their memory by carrying on their crusade to make America a better and safe place.”

Twenty law enforcement officers and staff from the Iowa Police Department were remembered at the service:

Lt. Gera Oliver

Chief Archangel Mott

Charles King

Chaplain Al Volpe

Robert Cooper

Capt. Robert L. Johnston

Raymond E. Bean

Chief Laurent Thibodeaux

Daniel W. Chelette

Capt. Robert W. McGarity

Glenn Robinson

CPL. Bryan L. Meche

Terry Thibodeaux

Jo Thompson

Chaplain Wayne Broussard

Capt. Larry Fontenot

Lt. Thomas Niel Powers

Jennie Duncan Vincent

Walter Soileau Jr.

Debby Mann

Czarevna “CC” Christian

Five officers from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office were honored as well.

Wilfred C. Sonnier

Hilliard Foreman

Francois Schexnayder

Lorne Mott

Wilson “Junior” Schexnayder