Law Enforcement Honor Fallen Officers & Deputies in NWA
By: Lisa Mendenhall
Updated: May 15, 2012
Law enforcement agencies gathered Tuesday at the Washington County Sheriff's Office in Fayetteville to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
As part of National Police Week, the service was held in remembrance of officers and deputies who were killed in the line of duty in Washington, Benton and Madison Counties.
"This specific day, since 1962, is dedicated to honor those who have paid the ultimate price," Washington County Prosecutor John Threet told the crowd.
Myrrah Mueller lost her husband, West Fork Police Chief Paul H. Mueller, in 1981.
"There's not a day goes that I don't think about him," she says.
Deputy Rolland Pete Williamson, with the Washington County Sheriff's Office, was killed in the line of duty in November of 1995.
His mom Renate says her son was a stand-up guy.
"He'd do anything for anybody," she says.
Despite losing Rolland 17 years ago, Renate says the pain hasn't gone away.
"I wish he didn't get killed, you know, but we can't change that can we?" she says. "I deal with it every day."
But the families of these fallen officers know their loved ones didn't die in vain.
"We never forget that they gave their lives so that we would be protected," says Sue Hall.
Her father, Assistant Fayetteville Police Chief Elmo Richie, was killed in 1968.
It's a brave task bestowed upon all law enforcement officials. It's also something these families and all law agencies know is worth of the highest respect.
"They're always going to be there when they're called," Threet says.
As part of National Police Week, the service was held in remembrance of officers and deputies who were killed in the line of duty in Washington, Benton and Madison Counties.
"This specific day, since 1962, is dedicated to honor those who have paid the ultimate price," Washington County Prosecutor John Threet told the crowd.
Myrrah Mueller lost her husband, West Fork Police Chief Paul H. Mueller, in 1981.
"There's not a day goes that I don't think about him," she says.
Deputy Rolland Pete Williamson, with the Washington County Sheriff's Office, was killed in the line of duty in November of 1995.
His mom Renate says her son was a stand-up guy.
"He'd do anything for anybody," she says.
Despite losing Rolland 17 years ago, Renate says the pain hasn't gone away.
"I wish he didn't get killed, you know, but we can't change that can we?" she says. "I deal with it every day."
But the families of these fallen officers know their loved ones didn't die in vain.
"We never forget that they gave their lives so that we would be protected," says Sue Hall.
Her father, Assistant Fayetteville Police Chief Elmo Richie, was killed in 1968.
It's a brave task bestowed upon all law enforcement officials. It's also something these families and all law agencies know is worth of the highest respect.
"They're always going to be there when they're called," Threet says.
