For the first time in the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office history, the city's annual Police Memorial Service was held at night to include a candlelight vigil.

During his address, Sheriff Mike Williams, reflected on the city's history, and the sacrifices of the fallen and their families. 

"Scripture also reminds us that, 'The light shines in the darkness, as the darkness has not overcome it.' Tonight, we light up the sky blue, in memory of the law enforcement professionals we have lost not only in Jacksonville, but throughout the country," said Sheriff Mike Williams. "And as a reminder, that evil will not prevail as we forge on, continuing our mission."

This year, 64 law enforcement officers were recognized as the Sheriff and Sheryl Livatino, wife of Police Auxiliary Sergeant Louis "Lou" Livatino, unveiled Lou's name on the Fallen Officers Memorial Wall. Livatino passed away in January 2021, following complications caused by the COVID-19 virus that he contracted in the line of duty.

The wall was conceived and brought to fruition in 2017 by local resident, Adam Resch, as his Eagle Scout project and additions have been made to the wall since, including three lifelike statues and an interactive kiosk donated by the Finker-Frenkel Family Foundation.

In addition to the survivors of the fallen, other honored guests in attendance at Monday night's ceremony included Congressman and Sheriff John Rutherford, Mayor Lenny Curry, State Attorney Melissa Nelson, Public Defender Charlie Cofer, Fire Chief Keith Powers, members of the judiciary and other elected and appointed officials, as well as local law enforcement partners.

For more information about JSO's Fallen Heroes, please visit the Roll Call of Honor page on this website.
 
Related Stories:

• October 7, 2021: Fallen Officers Remembered at Jacksonville's 2021 Police Memorial Day Observance