Rockford Sun

Rockford Police Department issued the following announcement on Nov. 5.

TRIBUTE TABLE: This Saturday, emergency responders from all over the area attended the Blue Line Ball. We remembered those missing from our midst who made the ultimate sacrifice.

"This table that is set for one is small. It symbolizes the frailty of one officer against his oppressors. The tablecloth is black. It symbolizes the mourning of the families and loved ones for the officer who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The blue ribbon on the center of the table represents the strong bond of all law enforcement officers who still continue to respond to calls for service even when one of their own has fallen. It also represents the thin blue line of law enforcement officers who stand between good and evil. The single rose, illuminated in blue and displayed in a vase, reminds us of the families and loved ones of our officers who are still mourning. White gloves are placed on the table symbolizing the purity of the officer’s intentions to respond to their communities call for service. The candle is lit and its light symbolizes the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit. The plate on the table holds a slice of lemon and a pinch of salt. The lemon serves to remind us of the fallen officer’s bitter fate, and the salt is symbolic of the many tears shed by mourners. The glass is inverted – they cannot share in a toast. The chair is empty as they are no longer physically with us. For those of you who knew them, knew of them, served with them, called them your brother or sister, or relied upon them for their might and aid, remember their spirits will live on forever."

Original source can be found here.

Source: Rockford Police Department