Ben Garbacz/Daily Mining Gazette Law enforcement vehicles processed under a large American flag Complex at on the way to Michigan Tech for the Upper Peninsula 2025 Peace Officers Memorial Service.

HOUGHTON — Law enforcement agencies from across the U.P. participated in a procession and memorial ceremony honoring law enforcement officers from the Upper Peninsula, bordering counties in Wisconsin and Ontario, Canada, who fell in the line of duty. The memorial was held on May 15, nationally recognized as Peace Officer Memorial Day.

The procession of law enforcement vehicles began in Calumet and proceeded on US 41 to the Student Development Complex (SDC) on the campus of Michigan Technological University. Many gathered at the Portage Lift Bridge as the procession passed under a large American flag suspended by two ladder trucks.

Eighth District MSP Public Information Officer Lt. Ben Eckola was at the memorial and said it was a privilege to participate. “It definitely brings emotion when you’re hearing the names of officers that have given the ultimate sacrifice and died in the line of duty while serving their communities,” Eckola said. “You know that sacrifice can never be repaid, but we want to honor them and remember them and honor their families and show our support. Their loved one may be gone, but we want to let them know that we greatly appreciate their sacrifice.” Eckola said the event was also a demonstration of support for law enforcement members and retirees who are still living.

Once the procession arrived at the SDC, participating law enforcement made their way into the gymnasium where residents and the families of fallen officers were gathered. The Presentation of Colors was conducted by the Calumet High School JROTC and the national anthem was played by the Houghton High School band.

After an invocation, the history of the memorial was presented by Lt. Jason Wickstrom of the MSP Calumet Post. Wickstrom explained the reason behind the service, which began in 1963 by presidential resolution to pay tribute to American law enforcement who gave their lives in the line of duty.

Wickstrom explained the Upper Peninsula’s role in the history of the ceremony. “The Upper Peninsula Peace Officer Memorial was first held on May 15, 1995 in Marquette. It was originally held to recognize fallen officers from the Upper Peninsula. In 1997 The ceremony was held in Sault Ste. Marie and fallen officers from bordering Canadian areas were included for the first time. In 1999, Iron Mountain held the ceremony including fallen officers from the state of Wisconsin and in areas that border the U.P. This is now held every year in a different city to honor the sacrifice of the officers from the the U.P. and the surrounding areas who paid the ultimate price,” Wickstrom said.

Houghton County Prosecutor Daniel Helmer delivered the keynote address. Helmer reflected on why police officers take on the job to serve their communities and the sacrifices that come with the profession. “Why do you take this job where it’s your job to deal with the worst of the worst and put out fires every single day? Long hours away from your family, holidays missed, birthdays missed… Why? Every time I always come back to one answer: Your community. And I think that’s especially true more so here in the U.P. Each and every one of you chose this profession to serve your community. You believe in helping those in need, just like all the names we’re going to hear in a moment.”

After Helmer’s address, the names of fallen officers were read. Houghton County Sheriff Joshua Saaranen read the names of officers who died in the U.P., Houghton City Police Lt. Nick Roberts read the names of the names of Canadian officers, Hancock City Police Chief Tami Sleeman read the names of Wisconsin officers and Michigan Tech University Public Safety Director Brian Cadwell read the names of U.P. natives who died in other locations as police officers.

The family of Lake Linden Police Lt. Anthony Shepeard laid the wreath. Shepeard died December 4, 1980. Taps and a 21 gun salute took place followed by Gogebic County Sheriff Jorge Cruz presenting the Traveling Plaque to Saaranen. The plaque honors the fallen officers of the U.P. and will stay in Houghton County for the next year.

Community Service Trooper Alan Narhi of the MSP Calumet Post said he was thankful for the turnout of the event and that the police appreciate the support. He commented on the closeness law enforcement has with communities in the U.P.

“I think the biggest positive to working in the U.P. is the close-knit communities that we have up here. And for the most part, a lot of law enforcement works up here is from up here, and you have that knowledge of your area and your community and the culture and the people up here. And I think that’s a positive thing to have. You have that connection, or you have that thing in common with the community,” Narhi said.