Deputy Wesley Waites Represents WCSO At National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Services
May 23, 2006
Deputy Wesley Waites represented the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department at the National Law Enforcement Memorial Week in Washington D.C. during May 11th - 16th 2006. Deputy Waites is married to Kristy Waites the sister of slain Waynesboro Police Department Officer Corporal James C. “Jamie” Walker. Those attending the ceremony were Sonny Linda Walker (parents), Kristy Waites ( Sister) Wesley , Lauren, Lia, & Cole Waites; Todd (brother), Lawanda & Bailey Walker; Malissa Walker, Jamie’s children Kaitlyn and Emily Walker. University of Southern Mississippi Police Officer Jackie Moreno; SMNTF Commander Brent Purcell his wife Kris and son Jessie, SMNTF Lt. Commander Bobby Fairley; & SMNTF Agent Keith Churchwell, and Joy Waites.
The group attended Barwick/Newton National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund Reception which was a breakfast ceremony held on Saturday May 13th 2006. The Barwick/Newton National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund was established in 2004, to assist with expenses incurred by family members of fallen officers who travel to Washington D. C. to participate in National Police Week activities. During this ceremony Sonny and Linda Walker was presented a Barwick/Newton National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund Award in honor of Jamie Walker by Sgt. Steve Davis of the Missouri Highway Patrol and Mitch Barrwick, the founders of the Barwick/Newton Fund.
On Saturday night May 13th 2006, everyone visited the National Law Enforcement Memorial Wall and had opportunities to view and trace Jamie’s name which had been added to the memorial. A candle light vigil service concluded the events for Saturday.
On Monday May 15th, which is National Law Enforcement Memorial Day, the group attended the Memorial service which was conducted on the grounds at the United States Capitol. President George W. Bush was the keynote speaker at the ceremony. During the ceremony the names of 2005 fallen officers were called. Surviving family members placed a flower on the wreath as the fallen officer’s name was called. President Bush met and talked with all surviving family members of the 2005 fallen officers.
Deputy Waites who is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, would like to thank the Waynesboro Fraternal Order of Police Lodge for making the trip possible for him.
