OPD holds ceremony to recognize county’s fallen heroes

By Rachel King

Opelika Observer

Lee County’s three law enforcement agencies came together this morning to hold
the 2017 Officers Memorial ceremony, which was hosted by the Opelika Police Department.

The annual event alternates between the three jurisdictions, which also include the Auburn Police Division and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

The service remembered Lee County’s five fallen heroes: Chief Henry Hart (OPD-1884), Sherriff W.S. ‘Buck’ Jones (LCSO-1932), Lt. Moitt Brenton Truitt Jr. (OPD-1970), Sgt. Roger Motley (OPD-1990), and Deputy James W. Anderson (LCSO-2009).

OPD’s Assistant Chief Robert Holley, APD’s Chief Paul Register, and LCSO’s Sheriff Jay Jones, recognized each of their fallen, while Rev. Leo Douglas of Ferguson Chapel C.M.E. church gave the invocation.

This year’s guest speaker was Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes. Hughes spoke about the important role law enforcement officers play in a community and challenges they face.

“These guys face a lot of uncertainty, they don’t know what they are getting into with a simple traffic stop,” Hughes said. “But they do their jobs anyway, despite the fear of leaving those waiting back home. I’d like to say thank you to the families of the fallen for sharing your sons, brothers and fathers with us.”

Next year’s event will be hosted by the Auburn Police Division.