WORCESTER, Mass. - The Worcester Police Department paid tribute to members who passed away in 2023 during their annual memorial ceremony Sunday. The tradition has been carried out since the late 1800s. 

This year, the department honored 13 former members: Deputy Chief John Feeley, Lt. William Kett Jr., Lt. Francis Marley, Lt. Paul Ohman, Sgt. Derrick Leto, Sgt. Leo Tivnan, Officer Richard Brunette, Officer William Cantwell, Officer Joseph Genduso Jr., Officer Charles Miller, Officer Matthew Tuccio, Officer Raymond Turgeon and Chaplain Deacon Gerald Montiverdi Sr.

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

“Worcester is a safe city today because of the service and sacrifice of these giants who have come before us,” Interim Chief Paul Saucier said. “Each of these men have left a footprint on all of us who wear the uniform.”

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

“They are respected for the life of service they chose, honored for the sacrifices they made and remembered always as heroes in our community,” City Manager Eric Batista said. “I want to acknowledge that, as a spouse, parent or child of an officer, you also made a sacrifice to stand alongside in support of their essential, yet demanding work. Being a dedicated public servant is truly a family affair.”

Last year, 12 former members were honored.