Flags are flying at half staff Wednesday in honor of Peace Officer Memorial Day in Minnesota.
An honor guard began a 24-hour watch over the Peace Office Memorial in St. Paul Tuesday night. That leads into Wednesday night's ceremony honoring officers killed in the line of duty.
"On Peace Officers Memorial Day, and during Police Week, we pause to remember the peace officers who gave their lives to protect ours," Governor Tim Walz declared on Wednesday. "Our state is grateful for your service to, and sacrifice for, our communities."
St. Paul Police held a ceremony at Mear's Park in the afternoon. The 60th annual St. Paul Police Memorial Service highlighted three specific St. Paul officers. It's the 30th anniversary of the sacrifice of Officers Ron Ryan and Tim Jones, as well as the 50th anniversary of Officer John Larson.
Police Chief Axel Henry says their legacy will never die out.
"We continue to serve in their stead, and their influence and legacy continue to live on," Henry said. "So today, it is not just a tribute of respect for their sacrifice, it's a testimony to that legacy which we will never allow to be extinguished."
In 1994, Police Officer Ronald Ryan was shot and killed at approximately 7:00 am after approaching a car with a man sleeping in it at the Sacred Heart Church at 840 6th Street East in St. Paul.
Also in 1994, Police Officer Timothy Jones and his canine, Laser, were shot and killed after being ambushed by the suspect who had murdered Officer Ron Ryan earlier in the day at the 1100 block of Conway Street in St. Paul.
Officer John Larson was killed in a traffic accident back in 1974 when his patrol car collided with a fire department van at Grand and Snelling Avenues while responding to an emergency call.
Organizers say that back in 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15th Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as National Police Week.
32 St. Paul officers have made the ultimate sacrifice and were remembered for their dedication.