PHOTOS: Troy Police Department Honors Fallen Officers

The held its Police Memorial Service this morning to honor Troy officers and law enforcement individuals nationwide who have lost their lives serving the public.

"This is really important, for us to get together to recognize all the police officers who went before us and served and laid their lives on the line for the citizens to make sure the community is a safe place to live, work and play," said after the ceremony.

"We all know that the first line of defense to a civil society is our local police department," Troy Mayor Janice Daniels said. "We have the finest police department that I have seen in a long time, and I'm so proud of them, and I'm proud of the City of Troy."

During the ceremony, the department honored fallen Troy officers Charles C. Smetana, Martin D. Chivas and Charles T. Mulvihill as well as Troy Police Service Aide Stephanie Steele, who was killed in July of 1999 by a drunk driver on her way home from northern Michigan. Police officers and council members placed memorial wreaths along the pathway east of the station near a tree that was planted by friends and family of Steele.

Honoring the fallen

Officer Smetana died on December 11, 1969. While responding to an injury accident, he himself became involved in a crash. Officer Smetana was only 33 when he gave his life trying to help others in need. His sacrifice will always be remembered and is humbly carried forward each and every day by the members of this organization.

Officer Chivas was shot and killed on April 22, 1974 while investigating a burglary in progress. The suspects were prison escapees and were in the midst of a multi-state crime spree. Officer Chivas was only 24 years old when he laid down his life. His sacrifice, like that of so many, stands as a lasting tribute to the honor and dedication inherent in those called to this profession.

Officer Mulvihill died on September 11, 2001. He was responding to a call for service when he suffered apparent heart failure. Officer Mulvihill was a mentor and a friend to so many during his 10 years of service with the Troy Police Department. The character and integrity that he possessed, along with the dedication to his family and service to this community is a legacy that will always remain in the heart of this organization.