WICHITA COUNTY ( KFDX/KJTL ) — The Wichita County Sheriff’s Office is paying tribute to its officers and others in the county.

This morning, Tuesday, May 14, the sheriff’s office honored their fallen and those of volunteer firefighters and police officers at the memorial site next to the law enforcement center.

The service began with a prayer from former senior chaplain Mike Rucker. It was followed by a flag presentation, call to colors, and tribute to fallen officers, with a bell ringing after their names were called.

Sheriff David Duke said it’s important to remember the lives sacrificed to protect our community, noting that the job has become more dangerous over the years.

“Just being able to memorialize the deputies and the officers and chiefs, people that gave their lives for our communities, is something that I think we all should always keep in the back of our minds. While law enforcement and firefighters go through.” Duke said.

The first known lawman killed in the county was Deputy Constable Sam Abbott Mosely in August 1898. The last is Burkburnett Police Chief William Garland in 1935.