Campbell County deputies honored a fallen hero today, in an annual remembrance of his service and sacrifice.
Jason Saunders was killed in the line of duty back in 2007.
The community is making sure he's remembered 15 years later.
The event had a solemn silence that filled the air throughout the tribute.
Peggy Saunders was Jason's mother and she spoke on what it means to have people remember her son's legacy.
"Every mother that's lost a child has a fear that the child will be forgotten over time, and that was my main concern when Jason died," Saunders said.
"It's so important that this -- this day is commemorated every year because it's not just for Jason, it's for all law enforcement officers," Saunders continued.
Saunders died in the line of duty in 2007 after he crashed his vehicle chasing a suspect.
This memorial comes as the killing of law enforcement reached a 20-year high in 2021, according to preliminary year-end data provided by the FBI.
I asked Campbell County Sheriff Whit Clark what the department is doing to keep deputies safe.
He said the biggest thing they're pushing is training and safety.
"We want to make sure that the deputies on Campbell County, receive the best training that we can possibly afford them, as much as we can," Sheriff Clark said.
He also stressed the importance of relationships with the community, saying, "We just want to continue to develop and continue to grow those relationships and partnerships that we have in the community."
The community has continued to rally around the Saunders since Saunders' death, strengthening those partnerships Sheriff Clark mentioned.
Saunders said, "I just can't put it into words. Everybody has been so supportive and so caring. It's just been overwhelming."
Sheriff Clark and the Saunders family were both so thankful to have an event like this and continue to have it each year. Because every year they keep doing this, it means that Saunders' legacy is never forgotten.