Officers across Marion County are remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty. Two officers in Marion County died during attempted arrests. Marion County Deputy Harold Gates in November 1967. He was handling a domestic case when an assailant opened fire on officers with a high powered rifle. Pella Police Officer John E. Van Haaften died during a drug investigation in Knoxville in April 9th, 1980. Pella Police Chief Robert Bokinsky says a memorial wreath for Van Haaften has been on the flagpole next to his plaque at the police station since Tulip Time. One officer passed away in June of 2008. Transport Officer Virgil Behrens died after injuries sustained in an automobile accident on his way to training in Des Moines.