FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 04, 2013


Missouri's fallen law enforcement officers honored at State Capitol during annual ceremony

Washington County sheriff's deputy killed in the line of duty in 2012 is remembered, along with those killed in past years

A Missouri sheriff's deputy who died in the line of duty during 2012 was remembered today, along with all Missouri law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty in past years, at a solemn ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda.
The name of Washington County Sheriff's Deputy Chris Parsons was added to the Law Enforcement Memorial Wall, overlooking the Missouri River. 
At about 2:10 a.m. on Dec. 15, 2012, Deputy Parsons responded to a 911 call alerting authorities to an unconscious woman at a residence. Deputy Parsons was assisting with loading the woman into an ambulance when her son exited the home and allegedly fatally shot the deputy. After the shooting, the subject fled into nearby woods, and he remained at large until he turned himself in at a checkpoint that evening. Deputy Parsons, 31, had worked for the Washington County Sheriff's Department for just two months after graduating from the Mineral Area College Law Enforcement Academy.
"Deputy Chris Parsons represents all of our brave law enforcement officers who put on the uniform every day to serve and protect our Missouri communities" said Gov. Jay Nixon. "His sacrifice is another reminder that those who wear the badge are constantly at risk. The men and women of law enforcement put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of others. For that, they and their families deserve our thanks and admiration."
Records indicate that at least one Missouri law enforcement officer has died in the line of duty in each of the last 102 years; 1910 was the last year for which there are no recorded law enforcement line of duty deaths in Missouri.
"The loss of one officer is too many, and we hope and pray for years like 1910, when not a single Missouri law enforcement family has to answer that knock at the door in the middle of the night," said Department of Public Safety Director Jerry Lee. “It is important that we come together and remember Deputy Parsons, and honor all the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting their communities."
Families of the fallen and law enforcement agencies from across Missouri joined Gov. Nixon and Attorney General Chris Koster in placing white carnations in a single wreath honoring all law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty in Missouri.
On Friday, May 3 a candlelight vigil in honor of all Missouri law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty was held in the Capitol Rotunda.  
Photos of today's ceremony are available for media use at: www.flickr.com/photos/missouridps/sets/72157633418217618 or can be found by going to the Department of Public Safety Flickr page, www.flickr.com/photos/missouridps.   

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For more information, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov