Local Michigan family honors fallen member of law enforcement with their annual luminary

 

BANGOR, Mich -- This Christmas Eve marks the 11th annual year for the Fallen Officer Luminary held by one family who wants to honor the lives loss.

The idea sparked by Steve and Terri Rider during their time in Seattle, Washington where Steve Rider served as a member of law enforcement for 26 years.

"Coming from a law enforcement background myself we just wanted to do something and my wife said let’s do a luminary and we’re like yea let’s do a luminary and don’t know what that is really going to look like or means," said Steve Rider.

11 years later it looks like those currently in law enforcement enjoy the opportunity to view the luminary and socialize with those leading the efforts.

"I think it’s a great way to memorialize and remember and you get to write their name, agency, and end of watch date on the bag and the candle is significant," said Terri Rider

Steve, shot during his time as an officer in Washington, says that it made him look at life through a different lens.

"Being shot really just made me realize how fragile life can be and what our men and women in law enforcement and military put on the line every day," said Steve.

That’s what spark Steve and Terri to honor those who have fallen.

"They know they take that risk when they put on that uniform every day and they do it anyway and when their families are left without them on the holiday you know they gave the ultimate sacrifice to serve us and protect us and that’s why we do it," said Steve.

By doing it the Rider’s say they get the support from local law enforcement to share this moment.

"We get a lot of feedback that is just appreciative. That they want to remember these officers as much as we do and think about the families the way we do," said Steve.