Correspondent photo / Nancilynn Gatta This is the Hubbard Police Memorial stone with the wreath that was placed next to it during Saturday’s Police Memorial Ceremony at the Hubbard administration building. The ceremony capped off National Police Week, which began May 9, and remembered and honored police officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.

HUBBARD — In 1962, President John F. Kennedy created National Police Week to honor peace officers for their dedication and selfless efforts to protect the American people. It also established a date to memorialize the Line Of Duty Death of our country.

On Saturday, the Hubbard Police Department staged the memorial ceremony, “Remembering and Honoring Police Officers Who Have Given Their Lives in the Line of Duty,” in the administration building’s council chambers.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Pipe Major Ross Williams of Sharpsville played “Hector the Hero,” a traditional Scottish tune, on the bagpipes as the wreath of blue flowers, representing the color of police officers’ uniforms, was placed at the center of the room.

“It is a solemn occasion, but on behalf of Hubbard Christians in Action, we gather today to honor you, our devoted police force, living and deceased. You embody the faith, the courage and God’s calling to serve. When crisis strikes, you run toward the danger driven by a calling that goes beyond duty,” said HCIA President Mary Mathews-Bebech.

Hubbard High School freshmen Aidan Reagle, Alanna Toke and Lukus Darr read poems that they wrote specifically for the ceremony. The theme of their works centered around the police officers’ memorial day. The police department, led by Chief Robert Thompson, chose the three poems to be read during the ceremony.

Reagle’s poem expressed the stress that family members deal with each time their loved one is on duty. They worry that they will receive a phone call that relates to an injury or death.

Keynote speaker, Trumbull County Sheriff Mike Wilson, recognized the significance of the seven days of honoring the police force.

“It is a week dedicated to honor the courage and commitment and sacrifice of law enforcement officers all through this great nation of ours and especially here in Trumbull County,” he said. “Each day, all law enforcement officers put on the badge and they promise to protect and serve. It’s not for recognition. It is because we believe in duty, justice and well-being of others. They respond in times of crisis. They go into the unknown and do it with heart and purpose.

“This week we not only thank our officers, but we remember the fallen. We honor those who gave everything in the line of duty, whose service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Their memory reminds us of why we do this work and why we must continue to build trust, unity and respect in every corner of our county.”

An emotional part of the ceremony occurred when Phil Adams, Hubbard Salvation Army treasurer, read the names of the men and women who perished in the line of duty from May 16, 2025, to May 6, 2026.

Other participants in the ceremony were Lorena Staerns of the Hubbard Public Library, police Sgt. Christopher Moffitt, who represented the Hubbard Fraternal Order of Police, and Detective Sgt. Michael Banic, who read a prayer for safety.

Williams played “Amazing Grace”as he led the respectful and silent procession to the Memorial Stone, which is adjacent to the Hubbard Police Department building.

The event culminated with placing of the wreath at the police memorial stone.

Earlier, police Chief Robert D. Thompson Jr. expressed gratitude to his staff, members of the Hubbard Fire Department, representatives of the Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office, Hubbard Mayor Ben Kyle and his staff, Hubbard school students, Hubbard Township police, police families and the general public who attended the ceremony.

“Every year that we have this event, the participation grows, and we appreciate the support we get from this community,” Thompson said.