Beginning Oct. 12, 2010, the Winston-Salem Police Department will implement a new practice to commemorate all slain police officers on the anniversaries of their deaths. The date marks the one-year anniversary of the death of Sgt. Mickey Hutchens.

A memorandum to all hands stated: "Seventeen members of the Winston-Salem Police Department have given their lives in the line of duty. This ultimate sacrifice for the community should never be forgotten. Although we remember these officers during Law Enforcement Memorial Week, it is not enough…."

"Commencing October 12, and on the anniversary date of each line-of-duty death, all personnel will wear black bands on their badges. For those without badges, black ribbons will be appropriately worn on clothing. The Honor Guard will stand guard on these dates at the WSPD memorial outside of the Public Safety Center from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At 8 a.m. a wreath will be laid at the memorial…. This is one small way for us to perpetually pay tribute to these heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice."

Council Member Vivian H. Burke, the chair of the Public Safety Committee, said, "We can never do enough to honor our Winston-Salem police officers for what they do to make us safe in this community. We must also remember the families of these slain officers for the loss they endured on behalf of us all."

Read more about each fallen officer on the Memorial page 

Video about the Fallen Officer memorial at the Public Safety Center [video] 

These dates will be observed: