Community Pays Respect at 2016 Aquidneck Island Police Parade

NEWPORT, RI—There was no individual person leading the 2016 Aquidneck Island Memorial Police Parade.

This year, it seemed the only fitting tribute would be to honor all members of law enforcement, said Sgt. Corey Huck of the Newport Police Department, also chairman of the parade committee.

Line of duty deaths are down 13 percent but 167 officers were killed by gunfire over the past year, Huck said. Police departments have been under incredible scrutiny after high-profile incidents involving police-involved shootings. Even the best cops "donning the uniform are being questioned," Huck said.

There was no Grand Marshal because "of the strife our profession has encountered over the past year," Huck said.

"We thought our silence would speak volumes," he said.

This year marked the 33rd time the parade has run through Middletown and Newport each year with a few hiatuses. The event brings a stream of police officers, marching bands and scouts to solemnly march through the heart of Aquidneck Island. It's an impressive show of force and solidarity.

It's also a chance for cops to soak up the cheering from the sidewalks. For the public, it's one day to say thanks to people who work a professional normally short on thanks.

"Normally we don't get that opportunity," Huck said. "There's a human element to being a cop. A lot of our family members get to come out and say they appreciate what we do.

"It can get pretty emotional when you see your family members there, Huck said.

On the wall of Huck's office is a flag folded in a glass display box. It was a gift from members of the New York Police Department, who joined the parade last year.

"They gave it to me as thanks," he said. "Their drumline is fabulous."

This year's lineup was as extensive as ever with about 100 units marching with representation from nearly all Rhode Island police departments along with units from across New England and beyond.

We culled through social media to pick some of the best pictures from this year's parade below: