Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond, left, and Chattanooga Chief of Police Bobby Dodd stand side by side during Thursday’s Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony honoring fallen officers. The annual commemoration took place at the Police Memorial in the 600 block of Market Street.
Staff Photo by Tim Barber/Chattanooga Times Free PressA little more than a month ago, Chattanooga Police Sgt. Tim Chapin was gunned down responding to a robbery on Brainerd Road.
On Thursday, seven members of his family stood as his name was called during a law enforcement ceremony for fallen officers. Chapin’s name was added to the list of 49 area officers slain in the line of duty since 1879.
Local law enforcement agencies gather at the annual memorial to remember and honor those who no longer serve beside them.
“We hope we never have to add a name to it,” said Chattanooga Police Assistant Chief Tim Carroll, who reflected on Chapin’s passing. “Of course, it’s so close to Tim’s [death] – it’s a little more special to us. Then again, you go back and relive those seconds. It’s one of those healing processes you go through, and that’s why we’re here.”
As blue lights flashed on patrol cars lining the 600 block of Market Street, officers in dress blue uniforms walked forward carrying a rose symbolizing a fallen officer before turning toward the memorial, saluting and walking away.