The names of four Missouri law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice have been added to the state's Law Enforcement Memorial.
In a Saturday morning ceremony at the Carnahan Memorial Gardens behind the Governor's Mansion, law officers from around the state and their families remembered Barry County Sheriff's Office Master Sgt. Carl Cosper, Jr and Clinton Police Department Officer Gary Michael Jr. who both died in the line of duty in 2017. Also honored was Village of Miramiguoa Police Department Officer Kevin Dziejma who died in 2015 and Platte County Sheriff's Office Deputy Edward Culver who died in 1917.
These four names will be displayed at the Law Enforcement Memorial's Wall of Heroes located on the north side of the Capitol grounds, which is part of the area undergoing renovation. Nearly 700 names are on the wall.
"For the 31st time, Missouri's law enforcement community gathers in Jefferson City to honor our state's heroes who selflessly paid the ultimate price for carrying out their vow to protect their fellow citizens," Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Drew Juden said. "We remember our brave brothers and sisters for their lives they lived and the invaluable lessons they taught us through their noble service."
On April 7, 2017, Cosper was killed in a vehicle collision on Missouri 37 at County Road 1060 as he responded to a domestic violence call in the town of Seligman. Cosper was 56 and began his law enforcement career with the McDonald County Sheriff's Office. He had served 10 years with Barry County.
Michael was shot and killed Aug. 6, 2017, during a traffic stop. He had stopped the vehicle for a routine registration violation when the driver exited the vehicle and opened fire with a rifle. Despite being struck, Michael returned fire and wounded the gunman. The gunman fled the scene and was captured two days later. Michael was 37 and an Army veteran who had served with the Clinton Police Department for less than a year.
Dziejma had made a traffic stop May 18, 2015, and was conducting warrant checks on two subjects when he collapsed from a heart attack and later died at a hospital. He had served in law enforcement for seven years.
On June 23, 1917, Culver and another deputy were breaking up a fight at a saloon in Drydale. A subject was able to disarm the other deputy and shoot Culver in the chest. Despite being mortally wounded, Culver returned fire and killed the gunman. Culver was 60 and had served with the Platte County Sheriff's Office for four years.
Each year, the families of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty in the previous year, and through the decades, participate in the ceremony by placing white carnations in a wreath. Officers from agencies that have lost officers place wreaths at the memorial as the department names are read.
"At every point in our history there have been a certain group of people who stand up to protect those who need protection and defend those who need defended," Gov. Eric Greitens said. "In some times, they have been called knights, at other times warriors. Today, that group steps forward in the face of danger to confront danger and protect others, and they go by the honored name of police officer. The fallen heroes who have passed, their lives are now woven into all of our lives. I think the greatest honor we could do for all of them is to make sure we live their values of courage, service and sacrifice every day. If we do that, I think we can go forward today humbled by their example and inspired by their courage."