Norton Honor Guard Best Dressed in Police Parade

The Norton Police Honor Guard had a great showing in the Aquidneck Island Police Parade in Newport Sunday, May 6.

The Honor Guard won first place in Best Uniform and second place in Honor Guard. The Honor Guard has participated in this event along with many others throughout the past several years, including town parades, local ceremonies and opening ceremonies for sporting events such as the Patriots, Red Sox, Paw Sox and Bruins. They also attend funeral services for fallen law enforcement officers and other members of public safety, some even out of state.

The members of the Norton Police Honor Guard are sergeant Stephen Desfosses, sergeant Jacob Dennett, patrolman Patrick Mahoney, patrolman Bryan King, patrolman David Schepis, patrolman Jesse Winters, patrolman Charles Turcotte, patrolman James Cameron, patrolman Rachel Mailloux, patrolman Christopher McCarthy and patrolman Nicholas Precourt.

This past Sunday, patrolman John Chmielinski participated as well, assisting the Honor Guard as a motorcycle officer.

“We are extremely proud of the Honor Guard for their commitment, dedication and hard work in promoting a positive image for the Norton Police Department,” said Norton Police lieutenant Todd Jackson.

The Honor Guard has also participated in events and ceremonies during Police Week  in Washington D.C. at the National Law Enforcement Memorial.

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. This year, National Police Week will be Sunday, May 13 through Saturday, May 19.  

“This is a time when communities across the United States come together to remember and honor all law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, as well as the family members, friends and fellow officers they left behind,” said Norton Police Chief Brian Clark in a press release.

May 15 is designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day, with federal law (P.L. 103-322) directing that all flags be flown at half-staff on that date in honor of fallen officers and their families. This year, the names of 362 fallen officers nationwide are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. The names will be formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13.

“I would like to urge all residents to take a moment to remember those fallen officers during Peace Officers Memorial Day,” Clark said.