News Summary
The Birmingham Police Department held a Memorial Ceremony at Railroad Park honoring 51 police officers who died in the line of duty. The event included a roll call of honor, emotional remarks from speakers, and a wreath-laying ceremony, reinforcing the sacrifices made by law enforcement in the community. This ceremony coincided with National Police Week, honoring local heroes as well as recognizing nationwide losses of fallen officers.
Birmingham, Alabama – The Birmingham Police Department held its Fallen Officers Memorial Ceremony on May 14, 2025, at Railroad Park, honoring the memory of 51 police officers who have died in the line of duty since 1900. The event included a presentation of colors, remarks from police department members and invited guests, and the laying of wreaths, making it a poignant part of the National Police Week celebrations.
As part of the ceremony, attendees participated in a roll call of honor, where the names of fallen officers were read aloud. This solemn occasion also featured the moving sound of bagpipes, particularly during the wreath-laying segment, adding to the ceremony’s emotional weight. Officer Derell Freeman, a member of the Birmingham Police Department, took the time to read the names of officers whose lives were lost while serving the Birmingham community over the last 122 years.
The ceremony drew attention to the significant sacrifices made by law enforcement officers, a theme that was echoed by several speakers. Chief Accountability Officer Melissa Smiley emphasized the selfless service of police officers and reminded those present of the high cost that accompanies their duty. This year, the ceremony not only honored local officers but also acknowledged that in 2024, a total of 165 officers died nationwide while serving their communities.
Among those honored was Sgt. Wytasha Carter, the most recent Birmingham officer killed in the line of duty on January 13, 2019. Carter’s life was tragically cut short during a special detail aimed at reducing car break-ins. He was shot in the head while on duty. Additionally, attendees remembered Randall Versie Smith, who passed away in 2023 due to complications from a injury sustained on the job in 1995.
A blue and white wreath was laid at the ceremony to symbolize respect for the lives of the 51 officers who sacrificed everything to protect the community. Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr, present at the event, expressed gratitude for both current and fallen officers. He reiterated the role of police as the vital barrier between order and chaos, reinforcing the importance of their commitment to public safety.
Officer Truman Fitzgerald also shared insights regarding the unpredictable nature of police work, noting how a routine shift can quickly become fraught with danger. In light of this potential threat, he urged attendees to honor the memories of fallen officers beyond this annual ceremony by taking pride in their service and contributions to community safety.
The ceremony not only served as a tribute to those who have paid the ultimate price but also as a reminder of the ongoing dangers faced by active law enforcement officers. The Birmingham Police Department continues to maintain a complete list of fallen officers dating back to 1900, including their end of watch dates, which fosters a sense of legacy and remembrance for future generations.
This year’s Fallen Officers Memorial Ceremony not only highlighted the sacrifices made by the officers of the Birmingham Police Department but also reinforced community support for law enforcement and the ongoing struggle to ensure safety for all citizens.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Loss of Officer Andrew Duarte at UPMC Memorial Hospital
20 Years Remembered: Birmingham Community Pays Tribute to Fallen Officers
Additional Resources
- ABC3340
- Wikipedia: Law enforcement in the United States
- AL.com
- Google Search: Birmingham police memorial ceremony
- WBRC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- CBS42
- Google News: Fallen officers memorial
- WKRG
- Officer.com
