Paying Tribute to Fallen Heroes

(Before the ceremony with my Hero and love of my life, Lt. Matt Boyd!)
(The riderless horse carried a pair of boots of a fallen officer)
(Lt. Matt Boyd on far right saluting fallen officers in Cobb County)

(After the very emotional ceremony with Attorney General Thurbert Baker)

Tonight was the fifth annual Police Memorial Service, about 300 people gathered on the Marietta Square to pay tribute to all of Cobb County's 13 fallen public safety officials. Family members and police placed roses in a wreath to honor the men and women who hailed from county, municipal and university precincts. A white dove was released at the calling of each officer's name. "Amazing Grace" was preformed on bagpipes and a 21-gun salute helped conclude the ceremony. Police motorcycles and cruisers wrapped around the Square and officers turned on their blue lights at the close of the memorial. Officers that died either in the line of duty or accidentally were honored.

"There is no greater responsibility we can give a group then to protect our public safety. Most of us spend a lifetime trying to answer what our purpose is here on God's Earth. I dare say these men and women here today and those that have come and unfortunately those who have gone before us never had a question in mind what their purpose in life was to be. They chose to put on the badge. They chose to put on the uniform and they chose to be public servants. Because of that decision, this county and this state is one of the best places in America," said Georgia

Attorney General Thurbert Baker.

"The memorial service is very important because it honors and remembers the men and women who work for the county, cities and universities who have lost their lives. It is an opportunity for everyone to remember those who dedicated their lives to keeping the community safe, and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice," Cobb Police Chief G.B. Hatfield.

I am blessed, honored and grateful to be Mrs. Matt Boyd. Being married to my hero is the best gift from God in the entire world. I am so proud of you and thankful that you not only chose me to be your wife, but also put your life on the line everyday for our community. I LOVE YOU!