FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 14, 2007

Governor and Mrs. Barbour Attend Memorial to
Honor State Troopers and Narcotics Agents

Sometimes, the cost of living in a free and safe society is very high. Some among us pay with their lives to maintain that safety.

On May 14 at 11:00 a.m., both government officials and family members gathered to honor 32 Mississippi public safety employees, both State Troopers and Bureau of Narcotics Agents, who have died in the line of duty since 1971. Special mention of course was made of the two officers added to the list in 2007.

In a somber and poignant ceremony, Governor Barbour, Marsha Barbour, Commissioner George Phillips and an honor guard made up of State Troopers and Bureau of Narcotics Agents paid tribute to officers and agents who paid the ultimate price to ensure our safety and freedom. Attending the service were a gathering of other officers and agents and many family members of the slain

officers (many of whom traveled great distances to be part of the ceremony).

"It doesn't make it easy, but it is a reminder of the critical nature of what these men and women in uniform before us do," said Gov. Haley Barbour.

The flag was lowered to half mast, taps was played, and an invocation was offered, all by officers. In fact, almost everyone participating in the tribute was an officer or agent. A notable exception was Governor Barbour, who spoke briefly, as did Commissioner George Phillips.

During the service, each fallen hero’s name was called out, and for each a single rose was laid on the memorial by a family representative or by a fellow officer or agent. At the end of the calling of names, Governor and Mrs. Barbour laid a large wreath on the memorial. The memorial is located at Public Safety Headquarters on 1900 East Woodrow Wilson Drive in Jackson, Mississippi.

The entire service, always kept as brief as possible out of respect for the officers’ and agents’ families, lasted only 39 minutes.

Photographs of the memorial ceremony will remain here on Mrs. Barbour’s web site as an ongoing memorial to our brave public safety officers, who gave their lives to help protect our state and citizens.

God Bless them all.