Memorial service honors officers

Beverly Harvey
Staff Writer
Published: May 13, 2008

The way Opelika Police Chief Tommy Mangham sees it, the granite memorial outside the Opelika Police Department serves as a reminder to those who walk past it every day.

It reminds them of officers Moitt Brenton Truitt and Roger Motley who paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives to serve the city.

And it reminds those currently serving on the police force to “be on their toes when working the streets.”

Tuesday, area law enforcement officers gathered at an Officers Memorial Service at the Opelika Police Department to remember Truitt and Motley, and other officers across the country who have fallen in the line of duty.

The memorial service, which also honored law enforcement officers currently serving their communities, is part of National Police Week and included the state’s top law enforcement officer - Alabama Attorney General Troy King.

So far this year, 36 officers nationwide have been killed in the line of duty, including one in Alabama, King said.

“During this week, and every week, we are grateful for your service and to your families,” King said. “Thank you for an incredible gift that you give to our state.”

Officers and officials from Auburn Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Alabama State Troopers joined members of the Opelika Police Department at the memorial service.

Members of the Truitt and Motley families also attended the service.

Nancy Truitt, wife of Truitt, said the memorial service served to not only honor her husband and Motley, but to also appreciate officers who put their lives on the line every day.

“I appreciate every officer that’s out there and everything they do,” Truitt said after the service. “What this does is give the proper respect that officers deserve.”

During the service, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller also expressed appreciation for the city’s police officers, chief and the department’s support staff. He also took time to remember officers Truitt and Motley.

Truitt was killed in the line of duty in June 1970. Motley was killed in the line of duty in October 1993.

“We can never fully express our gratitude and thanks for those brave men and their commitments to our community,” Fuller said.

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