The Fayetteville Police Department, The Fayette County Sheriff's Department, and the Fraternal Order of Police held their annual Police Memorial Service on the courthouse steps.
President Barack Obama wasn't the only one saluting officers who have died in the line of duty, members of Southern West Virginia also turned out to pay their respects.
More than 150 people turned out for the Fayetteville Police Department, The Fayette County Sheriff's Department, and the Fraternal Order of Police held their annual Police Memorial Service on the courthouse steps.
196 names were read aloud of the officers who lost their lives serving West Virginia since the 1800's.
Susie Smith's son Charles Smith also known as "Chuckie" was killed in the line of duty back in 2006. She spoke to the crowd about her son, who would have been 34 years old today.
"That was the first time I spoke like that in public. I thought I was going to pass out. I really wanted to get it out to the officers that were here how important it is to realize the dangers they face everyday," said Smith.
Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney, Kristen Keller, spoke about Smith's loss and the resilience she has shown throughout the years, "You are all heroes and Susie Smith is also another hero."
Retired Police Chief of Fayetteville, Pat Tygrett, helped to organize the memorial service. He said he is pleased with how the event has grown of the years and the help of those who spoke for the fallen.
Tygrett has advice for those in law enforcement, "they just need to be careful heed to their training they've had. Don't take anything for granted."
Sergeant Michael Todd May with the Monongalia County Sheriff's Department is the only officer so far, who has been killed this year in the state in the line of duty.
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