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The Provo Police Department's new Honor Wall features officers who have given their lives in the line of service.

Courtesy Provo City

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An honor guard participates in a memorial service during Police Week on Monday, May 15, 2023.

Courtesy Provo City

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A new police Honor Wall in the Provo Police Department lobby features memorabilia as well as photos of those who died in the line of service.

Courtesy Provo City

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In 1962, President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which that date falls as Police Week.

Provo began its Police Week by placing “end of watch” markers at the graves of each of the city’s six fallen officers. Those who have given their lives in the line of duty for Provo include Albert H. Bowen, Frank J. Tucker, William Strong, Norman ‘Kim” Nisson, Trenton F. Halladay and Joseph Shinners.

On Monday, a memorial service was held that included honoring Cathy Shinners, mother of Joseph Shinners; Lisa Halladay, wife of Trenton Halladay; and Valerie Haws, great-great-granddaughter of Albert Bowen, among other family members in attendance to represent their loved ones.

Following the service, all were invited to view the newly finished Honor Wall located in the front lobby of the Provo Police Department. The Honor Wall contains plaques with images of the fallen, as well as a write-up on the circumstances of their deaths.

“We are grateful to have a permanent memorial location for our six officers,” said Janna-Lee Holland, PPD’s public information officer.

On either side of the Honor Wall are some display cabinets. To the right are uniforms from the 1970s through to today’s attire. To the left of the wall are various items of equipment used in the past as well as log books, badges and patches from past to present.

Officials who spoke during the Honor Wall’s unveiling noted the selfless mentality of those who serve as officers of the city, putting themselves at personal risk to protect the community.

“We are the second-safest city in the U.S.; that does not happen by chance,” Mayor Michelle Kaufusi said. “We are safe because of each of you possess the courage, valor and love of community to stand between us and danger.”

“But sadly, our community has felt the burden of loss,” she continued. “When we lose members of our police family, we forever feel that absence. But in the loss of our local heroes, we find resolve to continue their work towards creating an exceptionally safe community.”

Police Week is a time for remembering the fallen with ceremony and tradition, said Chief Troy Beebe, who noted that the department conducts various events every year.

“Our memorial service on the Monday of Police Week is when we honor our fallen officers and their families. This year, Mayor Michelle Kaufusi and (retired) Sheriff Jim Tracy were our speakers,” Beebe said. “They both did an amazing job of honoring those within the police department who, as President Lincoln stated in his Gettysburg Address, have given ‘the last full measure of devotion.'”

“This week we also extend our deepest gratitude to our current law enforcement officers, who serve with dedication and commitment despite the challenges that come with the job. We honor their ability to stand tall and proudly wear the badge of office as they protect the safety and well-being of our community,” he added.

Some events for Police week in Provo include:

• Tuesday – The police department is hosting a private family barbecue for officers and their family. The command staff will be cooking up and serving the food.
• Wednesday – At noon at the Marriott Hotel, a department awards ceremony will recognize new officers and those who have been promoted. The department will also be issuing medals and division commander awards, the Shinners Award and the Baker Award.
• Thursday – Officers will be given gifts from the department’s leadership.

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