Slain police officers remembered at memorial service

Kansas City, Kansas, Chief of Police Terry Ziegler choked up as he presented a flag to Jamie Lancaster, widow of Detective Brad Lancaster. The flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol in Lancaster’s honor, and was sent to Chief Ziegler by U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Photos and story copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 4 and the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department held a memorial service to remember all of the police officers who have died in the line of duty for the department.

The deaths of two officers in the past year were a heavy focus of the service.

The service was originally scheduled for the front steps of City Hall, but was moved indoors to the council chambers because of inclement weather.

The memorial stone in front of City Hall lists the names of all the fallen officers from the city’s history. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Eloise Melton, youngest daughter of fallen officer Capt. Robert Melton, wore a shirt that read, “My Hero Wears a Badge.” Eloise was born after Capt. Melton’s death. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Taps was played and a moment of silence was observed for the fallen officers. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Attorney General Derek Schmidt, right, talked with Mayor Mark Holland prior to the service. Mayor Holland gave a tribute to fallen officers Detective Brad Lancaster and Capt. Robert Melton. He also read a proclamation from the city. Attorney General Schmidt also paid tribute to the officers and extolled the role of police in protecting the public. He announced the imminent passage of the Law Enforcement Protection Act by the Kansas Legislature. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)