IN PHOTOS: Annual Police Parade Pays Respect To Heroes, Past and Present

"Because we all serve." It was a simple answer to a not-so-simple question. 

When asked what the annual police parade meant to the hundreds of law enforcement officers who participate, the answer flowed off the tongue with pride and heartfelt compassion. The event was a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to law enforcement personnel present and deceased.

Organizers celebrated the 30th anniversary of this nationally acclaimed event with special tributes to fallen heroes, musical performances by pipe bands and local school bands and a parade of formal uniforms and honor guards that brought the thousands of spectators to their feet.

This year the parade Grand Marshal was U.S. Marshal Jamie A. Hainsworth. Information about the U.S. Marshal service can be found here U.S. Marshals.

This photo journal is dedicated to men and women of law enforcement who, along with their families, are committed to ensuring the health and safety of their respective communities no matter what is asked of them to reach that end and to those who have fallen while serving against insurmountable odds.

Thank you from a grateful community and nation.