National Police Week Ceremony Held in Hollidaysburg

Korb Freeman of Roaring Spring, with Empowering Lives Foundation (ELF), put on the Second Annual Honor and Remembrance Ceremony, marking the 2022 National Police Week salute on Saturday, May 14, at the Canal Basin Park in Hollidaysburg.

The event thanks and honors local law enforcement officers who have given their lives while serving with a local police force during the past year. Freeman works with over a dozen local police forces on a year-round basis, as he volunteers his time and services in cleaning the interiors of police vehicles.

Guest speakers for this year's ceremony were Blair County Chief Deputy Sheriff Chris Tatar and Director of Operations for the Hollidaysburg Ambulance Association Rod Estep.

Estep was also the former police chief for the borough of Hollidaysburg. Estep told those in attendance that more officers had lost their lives this past year than any other year. Unfortunately COVID was the cause of death in many of these cases. This is true on a national level as well.

Music for the ceremony included a bagpipe rendition of "Amazing Grace"; "Thin Blue Line" by David St. Romain; "Going Home" by FDNY Pipes and Drums, and "Taps" performed by Les Hart of the Blair County Honor Guard.

Pastor Dr. David Crumrine of the First Church of the Brethren in Roaring Spring offered invocation and thanks for those officers who sacrificed so much for all of us. The Blair County Honor Guard did the presentation of colors and Freeman welcomed the police representatives from various police forces throughout the county.

In addition to Tatar and Estep addressing the audience, Freeman rang the bell of remembrance for every police officer in the county who passed on in the last year. "The Watchman's Prayer" was read to bless the ones who wear the badge. Pastor Crumrine provided a benediction. Freeman wound up the honor/remembrance service by saluting those who lay their lives on the line to protect and serve us all.