Tree-lighting commemorates fallen officers
Kalispell resident Tawny Haynes stepped forward from the crowd in front of the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office to place a shining blue ornament with silver ribbons onto a glistening evergreen tree.
As the names of fallen law enforcement officers were read, other community members took their turn stepping forward to secure an ornament to the tree.
Dozens of community members joined law enforcement officers, their families, and the families of fallen officers for the annual blue tree-lighting event on Thursday in Kalispell.
The tree outside the Sheriff’s Office is one of many trees throughout the country boasting blue lights this holiday season to honor and remember officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. The blue lights also represent gratitude for the men and women in law enforcement who continue to serve and protect.
Haynes attended Thursday’s ceremony with her daughter Taryn, 12, and son Elias, 10. The ornament she placed on the tree was in honor of her husband, Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Michael Haynes, who died in the line of duty in 2009.
“It’s so nice to be able to support the officers who are out there every day putting their lives on the line for all of us,” Haynes said.
“I also think it’s nice for law enforcement officers to know the community is here and that we love them and support them — and to support the family members that have been left behind,” she said.
The event on Dec. 7 was hosted by the Montana chapter of COPS, Concerns of Police Survivors. It included a candle lighting ceremony, song, prayer and a moment of silence.
Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry and Kalispell Police Chief Roger Nasset spoke on behalf of law enforcement officers.
“I commend the COPS organization. They do a great job supporting law enforcement and supporting their loved ones after tragic events,” Nasset said.
The local law enforcement leaders asked valley residents who drive by the blue tree to remember the officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, and give gratitude to those who continue to put their lives on the line for the safety of the community.
“No matter how much danger is out there, they are putting their lives on the line,” Nasset said. “It’s our responsibility to recognize them and pay homage to them as we are tonight.”
Each year in the United States about 150 law enforcement officers are killed in the line of duty and their families and co-workers are left to cope with the tragic loss.
Christine Herman, Montana COPS affiliate, said its important for law enforcement officers to know there are resources out there for their families and for their co-workers, in the event something tragic should occur.
“It’s very important that the community come together for our officers during times of hardship,” said Herman.
“Law enforcement officers are out there every day helping members of the community, so for them to know they have support is uplifting,”
Reporter Breeana Laughlin can be reached at 758-4441 or blaughlin@dailyinterlake.com.