Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill
On Thursday morning, May 15, 2025, community members gathered in downtown Jasper to honor the lives and legacies of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. The annual Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony brought together local officials, officers from across the region, and families of the fallen for a time of remembrance.
City officials and law enforcement leaders emphasized the importance of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice and showing continued support for the officers who serve today.
“This is a somber day, but it’s also a day filled with pride and gratitude,” said City of Jasper Councilmember Josh Gates. “Let’s not wait for a memorial service to express our appreciation for the men and women who serve and protect us every day, and their families.”
Family members of some of the fallen officers joined local officers in pinning flowers to a memorial wreath during the roll call of names, which included officers from the Jasper Police Department, Walker County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Department of Public Safety, and Parrish Police Department. Names called include:
- Ben F. Barrett, Walker County Sheriff’s Office – End of Watch: July 28, 1920
- John Alfred Salter Sr., Jasper Police Department – End of Watch: October 13, 1944
- Frank Burkett, Walker County Sheriff’s Office – End of Watch: June 19, 1948
- Orville Oscar Hudson, Alabama Department of Public Safety – End of Watch: May 20, 1952
- Herman Treece, Walker County Sheriff’s Office – End of Watch: September 13, 1952
- Frank Harbison, Walker County Sheriff’s Office – End of Watch: September 13, 1952
- Jonathan McKinley “Mac” Norris, Parrish Police Department – End of Watch: August 5, 1955
- Dillard Henry Willingham, Walker County Sheriff’s Office – End of Watch: June 14, 1958
- Stewart “Buddy” Beasley Jr., Jasper Police Department – End of Watch: April 10, 1995
- James Denver Hobbs, Jasper Police Department – End of Watch: April 29, 2003 (Date of death: December 11, 2014)
Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith addressed the crowd with a message about the depth of sacrifice that often goes unnoticed.
“Sacrifice is often unseen by the public, but deeply felt by families, communities, and departments across the country,” he said. “To the families of the officers, we see your strength. We know the burden you carry.”
Jasper Police Chief J.C. Poe spoke about the personal impact fallen officers leave behind. He recalled the story of his uncle, Herman Treece, a Walker County deputy who was killed in the line of duty before Poe was born.
“Law enforcement officers are put in very serious conditions,” Poe said. “Sometimes it turns out to be fatal to them. That’s why we do this…to make sure they’re not forgotten, and that their families know we still remember.”
Poe also encouraged the public to keep active officers in their prayers, reminding the crowd that every shift begins with uncertainty. “They never know when they leave home whether they’re going to be able to return to their families,” he said.
The Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony is held yearly in Jasper as part of National Police Week, which is recognized in May. The local event serves as a time for Walker County residents to come together and remember the officers who gave their lives in service to their community. WL
