NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — In honor of National Police Week, the Newport News Police Department paid tribute to its fallen officers. It was an emotional morning in Newport News as many remembered the fallen officers in the city and across the nation.
“If you take this uniform off, they’re just like anyone else," said Police Chief Steve Drew. "They were sons and daughters, brothers, husbands.”
Trying to hold back tears, Chief Drew recognized the sacrifice behind the badge.
"None of us know that date that we may be going to lay our life down for someone,” he said.
The department honored the 12 officers who died in the line of duty. The most recent incident is the death of Officer Katie Thyne in 2020. While speaking with a driver during a traffic stop, the driver accelerated the vehicle, dragging Officer Thyne before crashing into a tree. Department leaders remember Thyne for her smile and compassion for those she served.
“Their dedication and courage deserve to be remembered and honored,” NNPD Youth Adult Police Commissioner Brock Rash.
Drew said as a police chief, the death of an officer always weighs on your mind.
“How do you protect the men and women who are out here protecting everyone else?” he said. "So, I think that's why the emotion is so heavy today."
“Robert H Smith began his career with the Newport News Police Department in 1912…Katherine M. Thyne became a Newport News Police officer in 2018.”
That’s why he said it’s important to honor and thank those on the force.
“To all of our officers, thank you for choosing this double profession and doing your part to keep us all safe,” Rash said.