Law enforcement memorial service held in downtown Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Police agencies from across Western New York came together Wednesday evening for an annual memorial service, which aims to honor fallen law enforcement officers and show respect for their families.

Community members, police officers and family members gathered at St. Joseph Cathedral located on Franklin Street.

The ceremony, organized by Lieutenant Rob Mercurio of the Buffalo Police Department, began with the presentation of colors, followed by prayers and speeches from several local leaders.

Family members of those who lives were taken too soon were greeted by a line of current officers saluting them to pay respects.

"Those officers, those lives, those families, those surviving families, are never forgotten," Mercurio said. "The officers that went into work one day and didn't return home to their families, it's tragic. It's incumbent on us to continue on and remember them."

Officers from eight counties in Western New York were present at the ceremony.

Father Sean Paul Flemming said the yearly event is a moment where the community can come together as one.

"I see a family of faith that forms. We may not all share the same beliefs or go to the same churches, but on this day, we're here simply as God's children," Flemming said. "We're here to support each other in our loss. We're here to support and praise our men and women, our officers, who go out on the job every day."

Following the event was a social gathering, where family members, local leaders, and law enforcement were able to chat with each other. Mercurio said it's what he looks forward to the most each and every year.

"It's all for those moments afterwards where we get to take a breath," he said. "Just share what's going on in our lives and what's going on in their lives and how we can support each other in the future."

Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. See more of her work here.