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With gray skies overhead, Rome and Floyd County officials and family members paid respect Friday morning to peace officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while in the line of duty.

This yearÐÔÊӽ紫ý 29th annual Peace Officers Memorial Service was conducted Friday morning at the Law Enforcement Complex Memorial Plaza.

“We will never, ever forget their sacrifice,� Rome Public Information Officer Doug Walker said. “And we always thank them for their service and dedication.�

Rome and Floyd County is one of the few communities that holds a traditional service to recognize fallen law enforcement officers, which was started over 20 years ago by the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers organization.

This year, an additional peace officer was honored, Berry College Police ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Sgt. Jeffrey Robert Smith, who passed on Jan. 29, 2021, as a result of complications from covid.

“I would like to see every car have a sticker on their car window or bumper saying ‘respect and honor the blue,’� Walker said. “That is each of our responsibilities.�

The ceremony included laying a wreath with white roses placed on each of the plaza memorial stones honoring an officer who had died in the line of duty since 1874.

Floyd County Commission Chair Allison Watters read a joint proclamation from the Floyd County and Rome City commissions.

The service included a 21-gun salute from the Rome-Floyd SWAT Team as they stood on the roof of the Law Enforcement Center.

“And always remember the last line of the peace officers’ prayer,� Walker said. “Grant me your protection, lord, so that I may return home from each day safely.�