WORCESTER, Mass. — The Worcester Police Department paid tribute to members who passed away in 2022 during their annual memorial ceremony Sunday.

The tradition has been carried out since the late 1800s.

This year, the department honored 12 former members, including 10 police officers, a sergeant and former chief James Gallagher.

The ceremony featured the traditional bell-ringing salute, a wreath laying ceremony and the playing of taps.  

“Let us reflect on what these men and women stood for,” said Chief Steven Sargent. “Let us never forget the lessons they taught us. Each generation passes knowledge and wisdom about the job to the next. The most important things I have learned from those who have gone before us, including my own father, is that this is a job that takes courage as well as compassion. Sensitivity as well as strength. We know that our WPD angels are looking down on every man and woman who leaves this building every day. May we continue to carry out the legacy that they have left so many years ago.”

A wreath was laid at the monument which sits outside of the Lincoln Street headquarters.

The department hosts the event every year around National Police Week, which came to a close Saturday.

Last year, they honored 15 former members.