23 fallen officers will be honored in Wake County, part of National Police Week

As the WRAL tower turns blue Monday in recognition of National Police Week, hundreds will gather in Wake County to honor the lives of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.

A memorial ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Hayes Barton Baptist Church, located at 1800 Glenwood Ave. in Raleigh. Community members and loved ones of fallen law enforcement officers will come together to remember and honor them for their service and sacrifices.

A total of 23 Wake County fallen law enforcement officers will be honored on Monday, including officer Gabriel Torres from the Raleigh Police Department, who died in the Oct. 13, 2022, Hedingham shooting, and Deputy Ned Byrd from the Wake County Sheriff's Office, who was shot and killed on Aug. 11, 2022.

Larry Smith with the Durham County Fraternal Order of Police said the ceremony comes at a time where local departments are still struggling with morale and staffing, especially with the recent tragedy in Charlotte at top of mind.

Eight officers were shot April 29 as law enforcement attempted to serve a warrant in Charlotte. Four died.

"When we see the violence that's going on in our nation right now, and when we see the number of officers who have been injured and killed, given the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of our nation, it's just really important that we pause for a little while and remember the sacrifice and the officers who lost their lives doing this job," Smith said.

Monday's ceremony is open to the public.

Several buildings and towers will be lit up in blue across the area for National Police Week, including the WRAL tower.

At 8 p.m. on Monday, the tower will turn a darker shade of blue. Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson and the Raleigh Police Department Foundation’s chair will be at WRAL as the tower is lit.