The Lewiston, Idaho Police Department has had five officers make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty since the agency's inception in 1863. These officers were memorialized on April 24th during the unveiling of the Lewiston Police Memorial.
The memorial dedication ceremony was attended by over 200 law enforcement officers and citizens. The project had originally been proposed in 2003 by LPD Officer Monte Renzelman. Over the following years, the project was revisited by various department members, but never took flight until 2008.
The new chief, Steven Orr, believed the funding and ownership of the memorial should be the responsibility of retirees and current members of LPD. The financial support was impressive. ATK, a local munitions manufacturer, made a generous donation on behalf of LPD retirees employed by their company.
Lewiston Parks and Recreation Director Lynn Moss contacted Chief Orr and suggested a partnership with his project to repair and upgrade the plaza area in front of the LPD building and the PD's need for a place to erect the monument. The deal was struck and the completed project was a perfect tribute to these fallen heroes.
The 35 minute ceremony included the posting of the colors by the LPD Color Guard; the singing of the National Anthem by Jasmine King; the Invocation by LPD Chaplain Greg Pedersen; and welcoming comments by Lewiston Mayor, Doug Havens. LPD Chief Steven Orr was the keynote speaker and paid tribute to each of the Lewiston Police officers who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
The monument was unveiled by family members of two of the fallen heroes revealing a polished stone displaying an American flag draped over the edge of the monument. The monument bears the Lewiston Police badge on one side and the names and date of the end-of-watch date on the other side.
A 21 gun salute by LPD officers was provided following the unveiling of the monument followed by the playing of Taps by LPD Sergeant Ted Piche.
Chaplain Pedersen presented the benediction with a beautiful and moving rendition of "Amazing Grace" performed by the Pipes and Drums of the Boise Police Department.
Family members and guests placed long stemmed blue carnations at the base of the memorial following the ceremony.