Marion County’s Law Enforcement Agencies came together to honor fallen officers Thursday.

The Pella Police Department, in collaboration with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Knoxville Police Department, and Pleasantville Police Department, hosted a Law Enforcement Memorial Day Ceremony. This event was held in remembrance of the men and women in law enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Speakers included Pella Police Chief Shane McSheehy, Sheriff Jason Sandholdt, Pella Police Captain Paul Haase, and Sheryl Hanthorn, the wife of the late John E. Van Haaften. He died while on duty 45 years ago.

Marion County Deputy Harold Gates, who also served with the Pella Police Department, died while on duty when he was shot and killed in Pella on October 25, 1967.

Officer M.A. “Bert” Conrey is a former Knoxville police officer whose memorial is located outside the Knoxville Police Department. Conrey’s end of watch was April 2nd, 1938 after he was attacked and beaten when he ordered an intoxicated couple off of the streets. Conrey was hospitalized with a broken jaw and other injuries and remained there until his death 16 days later due to a brain hemorrhage. Both suspects were convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 45 years in jail. Conrey was 56 years old, and served for 23 years.

Officer Virgil Behrens was a Marion County Deputy from Knoxville who passed away in June 2008. Behrens died from injuries sustained in an automobile accident on his way to training in Des Moines after serving for 13 years.

Hear more from the ceremony on today’s Let’s Talk Pella.