The Macomb Police Department held a wreath-laying ceremony to remember its four officers felled by injuries suffered while on the job. The ceremony coincided with the 85th anniversary of three of those deaths.
“I think it’s very important (to hold these ceremonies),” said Police Chief Curt Barker.
“We have to recognize the fallen. We have to ensure that the family members out there know that their loved ones will never be forgotten.”
The three officers killed 85 years ago were Earnest Bowman, Albert Links, and J. Edward Whittlesey. They were shot on November 29, 1930 by a burglary suspect they had apprehended. Another officer, Luther Jackson, was wounded.
The suspect then tried to drive off with a police car but Bowman managed to shoot and kill him, even though Bowman was mortally wounded.
Whittlesey passed away that day, Bowman the next day, and Links on December 1.
Further details on the tragedy can be read in “The Final Call” on the Macomb Police Department website.
The other officer remembered during the ceremony was Elwyn McFadden. He was directing traffic in 1989 when he was struck by an anhydrous tank being pulled by a truck. Barker said McFadden never fully recovered from his injuries and died January 2, 1994.
Family members and current and retired members of the department were present for the ceremony. Barker said this won’t be the final time the department holds such an event.
“We’ll do a memorial service from now on every May during Police Memorial Week,” said the chief.
