Luke Skywalker
Super Moderator
{vb:raw ozzmodz_postquote}:
Bernell Ross, mother of slain Hattiesburg police officer Liquori Tate, is hugged during a memorial service May 11, 2015, in Hattiesburg, Miss. Tate and fellow patrolman Benjamin J. Deen were killed May 9 during a traffic stop.(Photo: Susan Broadbridge, Hattiesburg (Miss.) American)
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Liquori Tate desperately wanted to become a police officer. And when he did, he loved sirens and the way they made him feel.
Benjamin J. Deen once saved a family from a burning house. In recognition of his efforts, he was named Hattiesburg Police Department's Officer of the Year in 2012.
At a Monday afternoon memorial service here, these were just a few of the memories shared about the two Hattiesburg patrolmen who died Saturday night after being shot during a traffic stop.
It was standing room only inside the Lake Terrace Convention Center's main room, with family, community members and law enforcement personnel spilling out and filling the lobby.
USA TODAY
Vigil, court appearance set in Hattiesburg officer slayings
"The parking lot was full a half-hour before this event," said Robert Press, University of Southern Mississippi political science associate professor. "Black, white — the whole community comes together. It's sad, but it's good that the community can come together at moments like this."
Shirleen Ross, Tate's great-aunt, said seeing so many people gather at the convention center made her feel a little bit better.
"I'm just overwhelmed that everyone's coming together for a good cause to honor these two officers," she said.
Ross said she was doing "kinda fair — not that great," but had been relying on God to get her through.
"What else can you do?" she said. "God is in control of everything. Pray. Pray for his family."
Supporters gather at a memorial service Monday, May 11, 2015, in Hattiesburg, Miss., in remembrance of the two slain police officers, Liquori Tate, 25 and Benjamin J. Deen, who died after a shooting during a May 9 traffic stop.<span style="color: Red;">*</span>(Photo: Eli Baylis, Hattiesburg American, Eli Baylis/Hattiesburg (Miss.) American)
Gov. Phil Bryant, a former deputy sheriff, spoke about the dedication of a police officer.
"Police officers are not allowed to grow weary. They must walk and not grow faint," he said. "(Deen and Tate) made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the people of this city because it was their job."
Angela Andrecht, 40, a social worker for Ellisville State School, took a half-day of personal time to come to the service.
"It is important to show our support for law enforcement officers who risk their lives for us every day," she said.
USA TODAY
Slain Miss. officers leave legacy of dedication, faith
HPD Captain Peggy Sealy, who was close to Deen, 34, told the audience about how he showed up to the police academy.
"When he entered the door of the police training academy, he had long, flowing hair," she said. "Within hours, that hair was gone."
Deen got his officer of the year honor for saving a family from a burning house, Sealy recalled. The family had been sound asleep inside when he arrived.
Dan Deen, father of slain police officer Benjamin J.Deen, is hugged by a loved one at a memorial service May 11, 2015, in Hattiesburg, Miss. The service was held for patrolmen Benjamin Deen and Liquori Tate, who died May 9 in a shooting during a routine traffic stop.<span style="color: Red;">*</span>(Photo: Susan Broadbridge, Hattiesburg (Miss.) American)
Officer Jason Jarvis looked over Tate, 25, when he was at the police academy. "Tate was the only recruit I talked to who did not think about quitting during those nine months," he said.
Jarvis said Tate would always put on his siren when he was heading to a scene, and finally Jarvis asked him about it.
"'What's up with you and sirens?'" he said. "Jarvis, I just love the way they make me feel," Tate replied.
Gregory Davis, U.S. attorney for the Southern District, offered words of comfort to the crowd.
"Every day in cities across the United States, families begin their routine, but there's that other 1 percent of the population who put on a uniform and a badge knowing they may be called upon to step between good and evil.
"Officers Deen and Tate were bold and righteous. It's more than a passion, it's more than a paycheck — it's a higher calling."
Powered By WizardRSS.com | Full Text RSS Feed