Lee County agencies honor fallen officers during annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service
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Members of the community, law enforcement agencies, and local leaders gathered Friday for a solemn memorial ceremony honoring officers who lost their lives in the line of duty across Lee County and surrounding agencies.
The ceremony opened with remarks from Opelika Police Chief John Clifton, who thanked the large crowd for supporting law enforcement and the families of fallen officers.
“We are gathered here today for a purpose that transcends our daily duties,” Clifton said. “We’ve come together to remember and to pay a debt of gratitude to those who ultimately gave their lives in service to their community.”
Clifton noted the presence of elected officials, judges, mayors, council members, and county commissioners from across the area, calling the community’s support for law enforcement significant.
Following the presentation of colors and the National Anthem performed by Opelika High School student Hudson Owen, Chaplain Mack Ballard delivered the invocation, praying for the families of fallen officers and for the protection of law enforcement personnel.
During the ceremony, Clifton recognized the families of fallen officers in attendance, telling them their sacrifice “did not end on that single day.”
“You are and always will be part of the law enforcement family,” Clifton said.
One of the most emotional moments of the service came during the reading of the names of officers who died in the line of duty.
Clifton honored several fallen Opelika officers, including Chief Henry Dlimus Hart, whose end of watch was February 1, 1884; Lieutenant Moitt Brent Truitt Jr., who was killed June 3, 1970, while responding to a welfare check; and Sergeant Roger Lamar Motley Jr., who was killed October 4, 1993, after stopping to assist a child in a Walmart parking lot.
“These men represent the best of us,” Clifton said. “Their sacrifices are our debt.”
Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones also addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of community support for law enforcement. Jones honored fallen Lee County deputies, including Sheriff William S “Buck” Jones, who was killed on June 29, 1932, and Deputy James W. Anderson, who was killed on September 24, 2009.
“You can tell the character of a community based upon the support that they provide,” Jones said.
Assistant Auburn Police Chief James Pescia spoke on behalf of Auburn Police Chief Ted Wilson, reflecting on the lasting impact left by officers killed in the line of duty. Pescia honored fallen Auburn police officer William Ray Buechner Jr., who was killed on May 19, 2019.
“The names we spoke today are more than just names,” Pescia said. “They are friends. They are sons. They are our family.”
Speicher also encouraged officers and community members to remember why law enforcement continues its mission despite the hardships officers face daily.
The keynote address was delivered by Alabama State Bureau of Investigation Director Chris Inabinett, who highlighted the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers nationwide.
According to Inabinett, data from the National Law Enforcement Memorial showed 111 federal, state, county, and municipal officers died in the line of duty in 2025.
“As a community, I strongly encourage all of you to continue to support law enforcement’s mission,” Inabinett said. “Not only when it’s easy, but especially during controversial situations. That support and commitment from the community — you can’t put a price on that.”
Chaplain Ballard closed the ceremony with a final prayer for officers, families, and the community, asking for continued protection and unity throughout Lee County.
The ceremony concluded with refreshments and fellowship following the memorial service.
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