Dozens of police officers from across the state were in Lansing Monday night honoring officers killed in the line of duty over the past year.
Four Michigan police officers were remembered during a candlelight memorial service held at the state Capitol: DNR Lt. Arthur Green, Detroit Police Sgt. Joseph Abdella, State Tpr. Chad Wolf and Officer Stacy Case.
"To hear their officer's name mentioned, to receive this honor is just real important process in the healing and the kind of understanding and acceptance of their death," said Denise Scarbrough, who's husband, Wayne County Sgt. Micheal Scarbrough, was killed in the line of duty in 2005.
"For the kids and I both and for the rest of Mike's family it was just this feeling of gratitude and that it was just wonderful to know that he was being remembered," she added.
Now she helps organize the annual memorial service to honor other officers.
"That gives them the opportunity to hear our thank you, to hear our appreciation," Scarbrough added.
Ingham County Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth calls it a fitting tribute.
"I lost two officers since I've been Sheriff, never thought that would happen," Wriggelsworth said. "They need to know that they haven't been forgotten, that their loved one didn't die in vain, that somebody cares."
But Wriggelsworth says there needs to be a more permanent memorial.
"There's a sight with a sign up there 'proposed law enforcement memorial' for the state of Michigan however the state has never funded it," Wriggelsworth explained.
Until that happens families like Scarbrough's have this service.
"I just remember thinking what a wonderful thing that they were doing for me," she added.
All four officers will also be honored in Washington, D.C. for national police week which kicks off on may 15th.
