05/22/2026
The annual Peace Officers Memorial ceremony on the square in Athens once again reminded the community that behind every badge is a family, a calling, and sometimes a sacrifice that never fully fades away.
Hosted by the Henderson County Peace Officers Association, the ceremony held Thursday, May 21, honored local law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, while also recognizing the men and women who continue to serve.
The program opened with the presentation of colors and the national anthem performed by Malakoff High School sophomore Camryn Cheek before Lt. Tony Simmons of the Gun Barrel City Police Department welcomed the crowd and spoke about the history behind National Police Week.
“In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a bill into law proclaiming May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and that calendar week as National Police Week,” Simmons said. “As an association, we are proud to carry out President Kennedy’s recognition of the service and sacrifice of those before us.”
Simmons highlighted the families who live with the realities of law enforcement every day.
“We know it takes a special person to support a loved one in a law enforcement career,” Simmons said. “Never knowing if they will return home from work, all the missed family events, or if they walk out the door, that would be their last time.”
Guest speaker Kenneth Strawn talked about his nearly two decades of working alongside law enforcement officers and described three qualities he believes separate them from most people: patience, decision-making, and bravery.
He talked about officers arriving at scenes filled with anger, fear, and chaos, yet still being expected to become “the calm before that storm.”
Strawn also pointed out the difference between reviewing a case from an office and making a split-second decision in the field.
“[In my office] I can pause the video. I can rewind the video. I can put it in slow motion,” Strawn said. “But our officers don’t get that luxury when they make a decision. They have to make these decisions in seconds, less than seconds.”
He later described the reality of law enforcement bravery in blunt terms.
“When you hear the gunshots, you see the blood, my instincts say run from that,” Strawn said. “And these men and women in law enforcement, they run toward the danger.”
The ceremony included the laying of the memorial wreath by Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse and Athens Police Chief Chad Allen, followed by the reading of the Roll of Honor. Following the reading of the names, the crowd stood in silence as “Taps” played and a 21-gun salute echoed across the square.
Honor Roll
• Deputy Charlie Fields Sr.
• Trooper KC Winn
• Trooper Larry Hobson
• Lt. Bennie Everett
• Deputy Tony P. Ogburn
• Deputy Paul S. Habelt
• Rufus H. Day
• Constable John E. Rhodes
• Constable James W. Hopson
• Deputy John C. Reeves
• Deputy Constable Elvis O. Brown
• Sherry K. Langford
