Law enforcement officers and community leaders from Wichita and Sedgwick County gathered Wednesday for the annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony.

A wreath was placed at the Memorial on the northeast corner of the City Hall building.  Wichita Mayor Lily Wu read a proclamation declaring May 15th as Law Enforcement Memorial Day, and Sedgwick County Commission Chairman Ryan Baty read a proclamation for May 12th through the 18th as Police Week.

Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan said the ceremony is “not just to mourn but to honor and remember the valor and dedication of these fallen heroes.  Each name engraved on this memorial and each pair of boots cast in bronze tells a story of courage and service and commitment.”

Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter said it’s a difficult day for the families left behind and for law enforcement agencies, because the ceremony brings back the memory of the day they suffered a loss.   He said it’s important to honor the men and women who gave their lives for their communities.

Sheriff Easter said boots are in place and there are temporary plaques in place for the latest three names on the list:   Wichita Police Captain Clay Germany, Colwich Police Officer T.J. Ohlemeier, and Sedgwick County Deputy Sydnee Carter.

The ceremony concluded with the reading of the names of the 33 officers who died in the line of duty from 1871 to 2022, and there was a 21-gun salute followed by the playing of “Taps.”