Law Enforcement Memorial Day 2018
The Jefferson County Chiefs and Sheriff Association’s annual Law Enforcement Memorial Day ceremony took place Thursday morning outside the Jefferson County Courthouse. Citizens and law enforcement officers from around the Jefferson County area made their way to the northeast law to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and died in the line of duty. Above, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard prepares to post the colors.
JEFFERSON — Love and respect.
That’s the only thing 10-year-old Liam Bates wants the law enforcement officers he meets to feel.
Known as the “coin kid,” the Cottage Grove fourth-grader was a special guest speaker at the annual Jefferson County Chiefs and Sheriff Association Law Enforcement Memorial Day ceremony Thursday morning.
Since April 2017, Liam has handed out more than 1,250 “challenge coins” to officers in five states — Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky and Tennessee.
At first, the coins only featured St. Michael, the patron saint of police officers. But, soon enough, donations began pouring in and Liam was able to purchase custom-minted coins that include a special message on the back: “May your shift be safe. May you go home to your family every night.”
The first coin Liam presented was to a sergeant from the City of Madison Police Department, who almost was brought to tears by his “kindness, appreciation and compassion,” Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jeff Parker noted while introducing the boy during the courthouse lawn ceremony.
“I give coins to police officers to show them love and respect,” Liam told attendees. “I do this because I love police officers. I am thankful for everything that they do.
“I see bad things on the news about police,” he continued. “This upsets me because what I see on the news is not the people I have met. I have seen big, tough officers cry. I have received many handshakes, hugs and millions of smiles because of my coins. Only one officer in over 1,000 was not nice.”
Although he has received many accolades for his work as an ambassador for law enforcement, Liam said that’s not why he does what he does.
“I don’t want anything in return,” he said. “I don’t want to be the star of attention. I want every officer I meet to feel nothing but love and respect. I want all kids my age to know police officers are good people who have a huge heart.”
Liam explained that he has a “huge family in blue” now and for that, he is happy.
“I can only hope, one day, more people will see police as good people and our protectors,” he said. “Until then, I will continue my journey to go to all 50 states and thank officers.”
The 10-year-old also recognized the families of those who have died in the line of duty, assuring them that their loved ones never will be forgotten.
He specifically recognized Deputy Bruce Williams of the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office, end of watch, Oct. 19, 2003, and Trooper Trevor Casper of the Wisconsin State Patrol, end of watch, March 24, 2015.
Williams was shot and killed after responding to a domestic violence call. Casper was fatally shot while attempting to apprehend a bank robbery and murder suspect.
“They are two of the 377 Wisconsin officers who have died in the line of duty who I will never forget,” Liam said. “They have given me the strength to be … a hero like them.”
Liam, who would like to become a K-9 officer one day, will be traveling to Ireland in June with a layover in Iceland.
“He is hoping to give coins out to both countries,” Parker noted. “As his dad told me this morning, he’s probably not going to be going back to Iceland in any near time in the future, so he thought that would be a good opportunity.”
Following Liam’s speech, Parker presented him with a Community Excellence Award on behalf of the Jefferson County Chiefs and Sheriff Association for his “passionate and dedicated efforts to support law enforcement in their daily mission throughout Wisconsin communities and the nation.
“Thank you for your faithful service and heart,” Parker said. “Our profession is better because of your efforts.”
For more information on Liam and his mission, visit www.liamlovespolice.org.
Also speaking Thursday was Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Ben Brantmeier.
He said that what has most impressed him about the community since he moved to the area 25 years ago is the level of community involvement of the local law enforcement, he said.
He lauded law enforcement for being active in events such as Law Day, National Night Out, Lights and Sirens, Run From the Cops, Shop with a Cop, Coffee with a Cop and more.
They are “portraying and living that positive public image,” he said.
In addition, Brantmeier complimented officers for their “positive role-modeling” by volunteering as coaches and mentors, and generally participating in public events.
“It never stops to amaze me that the men and women, our law enforcement, are trained and run to emergencies,” Brantmeier said. “I, quite honestly, wouldn’t want to be going into a building not knowing what’s behind that next door. But, our men and women in law enforcement do that on a daily basis.
“It also takes a toll on families and the law enforcement families,” he continued. “I recognize that many of our officers — all of our officers — need to leave on a moment’s notice at times, miss holidays, school events, sporting events, extracurriculars. Again, that’s hats off to your families, as well. Families who the children are raised and the duty to protect and serve is instilled within them. That’s a great lesson for the families.”
The judge recognized the late Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Deputy William Cooper and Fort Atkinson Police Department David McKee Sr., both of whom were killed in the line of duty.
Cooper was shot and killed while responding to a domestic dispute on Feb. 8, 1902. McKee drowned while attempting to rescue a teenage boy who had fallen into the Rock River on April 9, 1968.
“I recognize the brothers and sisters in law enforcement that wear the black band to honor those who have fallen as officers, and I respect the officers here today, our officers present and past,” Brantmeier said.
“As the license plate shows when you honor the fallen officers, in valor, there is hope. So keep up the bravery and let’s think about our fallen fellows today.”