KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/DickinsonThe American Legion Honors Fallen Law Enforcement Officers

The American Legion Honors Fallen Law Enforcement Officers

The American Legion has a winter conference every year, but this year they had the difficult task of honoring two service members who died in the line of duty:  Bismarck police Sgt. Steve Kenner and Burleigh County Deputy Bryan Sleeper.

Traditional songs hold new meaning to many at this service as the greatness of two men is remembered.

  "The last time we had a fallen officer type of memorial was in 1989, this year unfortunately there were two." says Robert Bob Krause/North Dakota American Legion Commander.

 "Having two in one community in one summer is not easy to handle, it's been very hard." says Burleigh County Sheriff Pat Heinert.

So for the first time in 23 years, the North Dakota American Legion is honoring two fallen law enforcement officers, much as they honor fallen veterans.

 "Armed forces and law enforcement work side by side in a sense..." says Fang Wong/National Commander of American Legion.

"For the families, it's beneficial to them to realize there is a lot of people here in North Dakota in the whole state who care about our two officers who lost their lives this last year, it's good for them to see that, it's good for our agencies to see there's a lot of people that care for us." says Sheriff Heinert.

That sense of community is felt here, as the Legion posthumously honors the two men, and everyone who knew them.

 "We need to show our appreciation while they're still alive, not after they sacrificed themselves in the line of duty, we need to do that more often, every day, say thank you, they need to know that we support them." says Wong.

 "I'd like to thank all of our police, sheriff, firefighters all of these people that put their lives at risk to help their communities and their neighbors and families." says Krause.

  "We respect those who work for us, what they do for us, we're trying to make sure the families know that we still care and respect their fallen family member, and we have a lot of family members on both sides who are both hurting, very much so." says Heinert.

A sacrifice that many can only imagine, and many others have been forced to realize.

"Please take comfort knowing your husband is with his band of brothers and has reported with honor to his final role call." says Krause.

The American Legion passed a resolution in 1979, that along with veterans they would honor all fallen service members.