Police Officers Memorial dedicated to Shelley policeman

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day. This is a day for the nation to remember the law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their communities.

Representatives of Idaho law enforcement traveled to Washington DC last weekend for a national candlelight vigil.

Idaho is formally recognizing the day Wednesday and Bonneville County will host a ceremony beginning at 6 p.m. at the Courthouse in Idaho Falls.

This year, the ceremony will be dedicated to Shelley Police Sergeant Kent Swanson. Swanson collapsed while responding to a disturbance call a year ago this month. Another officer on scene performed CPR until he could be transported to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. He died there of an apparent heart attack.

Swanson served as a K-9 officer during much of his 16-year tenure with the Shelley department.