WICHITA COUNTY ( KFDX/KJTL ) — Wichita County area law enforcement gathered on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, to remember deputies, volunteer firefighters and fallen local police officers during a memorial service at the Memorial site next to the Law Enforcement Center.

Senior Chaplain Mike Rucker opened the event with prayer followed by a flag presentation, a Call to Colors, and a tribute to the fallen officers with their names being called and the ringing of a bell.

According to Wichita County Sheriff David Duke, it is an honor to be able to recognize fallen deputies and firefighters.

“To be able to ever have our memorial out here for the fallen. We’re still county law enforcement as well as the Worcester County volunteer firefighters from other cities and Cyber Cell County is something that’s just, I think it’s something very good to do for the people that gave their lives for public service,” Duke said.

The first known Wichita County lawman killed in the line of duty was Deputy Constable Sam Abbott Mosely in August 1898.

Information about his death is very scarce because of the lack of county records and newspapers during that time.

The last was Burkburnett Police Chief William I. Garland in 1935. Garland was killed while trying to rescue people stranded on the Red River bridge during heavy rains and flooding. The bridge collapsed, and he was killed.

In all, seven people were remembered during the event.

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