The Wheeling Police Department Honor Guard performs a 21-gun salute outside WesBanco Arena during Monday’s law enforcement memorial ceremony.

WHEELING — Law enforcement officers, family members and community leaders gathered in the lobby of WesBanco Arena on Monday evening to honor those who have fallen in the line of duty, the 12th annual ceremony of its kind in Wheeling.

The event takes place each year during National Police Week and ahead of Police Officers Memorial Day on Thursday. Though the event had to be moved inside rather than its usual location at Heritage Port due to the rain, dozens turned out for the memorial service. Local musician Gage Joseph played ceremonial music at the event.

No officers were killed on the job in West Virginia in 2024, but 165 officers were killed last year in the United States, and several in neighboring states Ohio and Pennsylvania.

The Wheeling Police Department has lost nine officers since its founding in 1806. Each of their nine names were read aloud at the remembrance ceremony.

Ohio County Prosecutor Shawn Turak was the keynote speaker at Monday’s event, emphasizing the sacrifices that officers make in order to protect their communities. Turak was sworn in as prosecutor in January 2025 and has worked for the prosecutor’s office for 23 years.

“As I reflected on this occasion and thought about the words that I might offer tonight, the word that continued to resonate over and over again in my mind, and my heart, was sacrifice. Sacrifice – to give up something of value in order to help another person,” Turak said.

President John F. Kennedy designated this week as National Police Week and May 15 as Police Officers Memorial Day in 1962, Turak noted. She quoted his famous call to action – “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

“Each and every day, across this city, this county, this state and this country, police officers rise to the challenge and answer the call,” Turak said. “Today, we gather not only in remembrance but in deep appreciation. We stand here to honor the sacrifice of those great officers who place duty and service over self.”

Turak also described law enforcement as “the backbone of our society,” saying that officers wake up not knowing the danger they may face, but promise to protect and serve regardless of that risk.

“It is courage, it is sacrifice. And tragically for some, it is the ultimate sacrifice,” she said.

Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger, who started the ceremony in Wheeling during his time as chief, also spoke briefly, being sure to acknowledge the three officers that died during his time policing in Virginia. Schwertfeger noted that one of his commitments as an officer is remembering those who have passed and who served before him.

He read a favorite quote of his from Maya Angelou — “people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” — but argued that some actions will never be forgotten.

“Not all things that you do will be forgotten,” Schwertfeger said. “This ceremony is designed to do just that — remember what the men and the women have done this National Police Week.”

The ceremony concluded with the sound of shots ringing out across the Heritage Port for a 21-gun salute by the Wheeling Honor Guard and a playing of “Taps.”

“Those fallen wore the badge with integrity knowing that the weight of responsibility was great, but the reward, keeping us safe, was even greater,” Turak said. “[Officers] give their time, their energy and sometimes, their lives to serve the greater good.”