South Bend Police to honor fallen officers for National Police Week

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – South Bend Police and the Fraternal Order of Police honored 15 local officers that have given their lives in the line of duty at the annual memorial service Friday, May 18th.

President John F. Kennedy proclaimed the calendar week of May 15th as National Police Officers Memorial Day in 1962. The week is to honor and recognize law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

South Bend’s memorial service will begin at 7:30 p.m. in front of the Police Department.

Since 1903, SBPD has lost 15 officers in the line of duty. The officers that will be honored on Friday's memorial are the following:

  • Oscar Christenson - 1886
  • Samuel Cooper - 1900
  • Lewis Keller - 1908
  • Hans Brandt - 1916
  • Fred E. Buland - 1921
  • Neil McIntyre - 1923
  • Lloyd Thompson - 1932
  • Delbert Thompson -1933
  • Charles E. Farkas, Sr. - 1933
  • Howard Wagner - 1934
  • Ronald St. Germain, Sr. - 1967
  • Thomas J. DeRue, Sr. - 1974
  • Paul R. Deguch - 1997
  • Scott Lee Severns - 2006
  • Nick Polizzotto - 2007

The tribute will be held indoors.

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