LPD's "Memorial Ceremony"

Laurel, Miss. - The Laurel Police Department had its annual “Memorial Ceremony” in effort to honor fallen officers nationwide.

Mayor of Laurel, Johnny Magee said, "I think it's important for us to set aside time to recognize them, especially the fallen officers because they put their lives on the line each and every day for us and the City of Laurel appreciates it."

Guest speaker, Richard Brown motivated both the community and law enforcement to work together.

Laurel Police Officer, Sgt. Shannon Caraway listed off the names of both statewide and nationwide officers who have passed away.

Chief of Laurel Police, Tyrone Stewart said, "It makes it very surreal. Investigator Kim Stewart, which is also my brother, he was shot in 2009. He was shot twice in the same incident. As a matter of fact, I was there on the scene when I heard the shots ring out."

Laurel Police investigator, Kim Stewart said, "I love the people. It's in my heart to serve the people, it's what I was trained to do. When you have it in your heart to be a law enforcement officer, to go out and serve your city, town, or state, it gives you a feeling that no one else can give you but God. It's an awesome feeling."

Tyrone Stewart said "Trea was injured several months ago and a couple days when Trea was in the hospital, I couldn't help but to reach out to him and just to hear his voice and the first thing he told me was I love you chief, and that meant so much to me."

State trooper, Trea Staples said, "Hundreds of people reached out to me that I don't even know, I never meant them before. But, it's going to be a long road to recovery, which I'll meet head on and I'll do whatever I have to do to get back to continue serving my country, my state, and the people in it, and to provide for my family."

Members of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, the Ellisville Police Department, the Hattiesburg Police Department, and State Highway Patrol attended the ceremony.