Despite Friday’s blistering 90-degree heat county sheriff’s deputies donned dress uniforms and gathered on the courthouse steps to remember those who have been lost in the line of duty.

During the Gordon County Sheriff’s Department second annual Peace Officer Memorial Day deputies and officers from state and city police forces gathered to honor the “memory of law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the people of our community,” said Sheriff Mitch Ralston.

Earlier this month the county Board of Commissioners had declared last week to be Fallen Peace Officers Memorial week, and commissioner Alvin Long was on hand to read the proclamation during Friday’s memorial.

“We want to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Long said. “But also honor those in uniform who protect us everyday.”

The county has lost only four officers during its 160-year history, Sheriff Noah H. McGinnis died on Dec. 1 1892; Policeman S.C. Goss, died in service on April 24, 1924; State Trooper Billy Tanner died in service on April 11, 1970 and Ordinance Officer and Reserve Deputy Kathy A. Cox died on Aug. 21, 2008.

Calhoun Police Chief Garry Moss said the city has never lost an officer in the line of duty, he did however recognize that other communities have suffered the death of an officer and that the loss shakes a community.

“This is a tragedy that happens everyday,” Moss said. “And we appreciate the men and women who do this everyday.”

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