With them will be heads of law enforcement agencies from across the county at an event which starts at 2 p.m. at the law enforcement memorial at the entrance of the Halifax County Courthouse complex on Ferrell Lane in Halifax.

“We wanted to do something to show Blue Steel has not forgotten the fallen and those serving as well,” said Roy Ball, president of the club and a master officer with the Roanoke Rapids Police Department. The event is part of Peace Officer Memorial Day, which begins Sunday and leads into National Police Week, Ball said.

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Chiefs of police from across the county or their designees will speak at the program, which will also include a bagpipe performance by Robert J. White of Cary and a rendering of the national anthem by Harley Briggs. A color guard of county law enforcement officers will present colors.

Ball said preserving the memory of the fallen is something he doesn't take for granted. “They are the people before me who paid the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in the line of duty. We are sad for the families who lost them and not a day goes by I don't think the same thing could happen to me. I'm always thinking of them.”

Family members of the fallen have been invited and the public is welcome to attend.

Ball said donations will be accepted at the event, the proceeds going to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, which helps families of fallen officers. Those wishing to contribute online may do so by following this link.

Ball said Sunday and the nationwide events next week are important. “With the present state of feeling about police this is one event that gives back to those who do support us and shows that it's still a brotherhood and we do care.”