GLYNCO, Georgia – The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) held a remembrance ceremony Wednesday, May 1, 2019, honoring FLETC graduates who lost their lives in the performance of duty while protecting the communities they serve. Approximately 350 FLETC and Participating Organization staff, community members, students, and family members attended the morning ceremony.
Sadly, this year 12 names were engraved upon the FLETC Graduates Memorial, bringing the total to 237 since the establishment of FLETC in 1970. Those honored today were U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agent Christopher T. Bacon; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agents Timothy A. Ensley, Dennis P. McCarthy, Thomas M. Wischerth, Robert T. Williams, and Edward J. Smith; U.S. Marshals Service Deputy U.S. Marshals Christopher D. Hill and Chase S. White; U.S. Secret Service Special Agents Myles “Colin” Johnson and Nole Remagen; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Senior Special Agent Scott Ragsdale; and National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Secure Transportation Agent Kristopher D. Youngberg.
FLETC Deputy Director William Fallon welcomed attendees to the annual ceremony stating, “As we reflect today, I encourage you to remember our law enforcement officers who gave everything to protect us, our country, and our freedom.”
“On behalf of FLETC, we pledge to continue to work as hard as we can to train tomorrow’s deputies, officers, and agents to face every challenge in today’s operating environment,” added Fallon.
Following opening remarks, Fallon introduced keynote speaker Acting Director Matthew T. Albence, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who emphasized the constant risk law enforcement officers and agents endure as part of their solemn oath to serve and protect our fellow citizens and keep our nation secure.
“The American law enforcement community is the family we choose, and ceremonies such as this make that simple declaration abundantly clear,” stated Albence. “Our shared commitment to protect and serve the American people carries with it the somber duties of tribute and remembrance.”
The ceremony included a roll call of the honored FLETC graduates read by current FLETC basic training students. Chief John Powell, Glynn County Police Department, recited the area State and Local Honor Roll, and a bagpipe rendition of “Amazing Grace” concluded the ceremony as a wreath was placed in front of the memorial.
For further information and a full listing of the honorees on the FLETC Graduates Memorial, visit https://www.fletc.gov/fletc-graduates-memorial.
Danny Shepard, Senior Instructor, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Field Operations Academy leads the wreath bearers and family members to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) Peace Officers Memorial during the Annual Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony, May 1, 2019. (Photo credit Brandon Spragins, FLETC PCO)
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Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers
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Contact: 912-267-2447