Law enforcement memorial honors fallen officers in Chattanooga area

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Local law enforcement took time Friday morning to honor those who have died in the line of duty in the Chattanooga area. 

This annual Law Enforcement Memorial ceremony, held at the Hamilton County Courthouse due to weather, concluded National Police Week ceremonies.

Officers who have died in the line of duty in this area were honored, as they are immortalized on a memorial wall on Market Street next to the courthouse. 

One new name was added to the wall, Sergeant James Michael Russ of the Chattanooga Police Department, who died unexpectedly while working back in December due to a medical emergency. 

A Hamilton County deputy participating in the procession to honor fallen officers.

“I would just like to say to the family that are here, it’s very painful to get that phone call, and that’s for me. And I know that it was for you. So, thank you for being here. This is for you,” Chattanooga Police Chief Celeste Murphy said. 

News 12’s Chip Chapman read out the names of each fallen officer during the ceremony.