Local law enforcement officials observed Thursday as Peace Officers Memorial Day in Jones County. The ceremony at the courthouse in Laurel honored all law enforcement officers, and specifically the late Randy Chancellor, who was a deputy with the sheriff’s office when he was fatally injured in a two-vehicle accident on Highway 537 on Feb. 28, 2001.

President John F. Kennedy signed a bill on Oct. 1, 1962, designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. It falls within the same week as National Police Week.

The local observation was forced indoors to the circuit courtroom Thursday morning due to rain. The ceremony was hosted by the Jones County Sheriff’s Department and the Jones County Economic Development Authority. State Sen. Chris McDaniel was the guest speaker.

McDaniel called the ceremony a “somber but very important occasion.” He said law enforcement officers “serve with distinction in small towns and small cities across our country. If you’re looking for heroes, look no further than this room.”

Law enforcement officers attending represented the sheriff’s office, Laurel Police Department and Ellisville Police Department, among others.

Capt. Jerry Hutcheson of the sheriff’s office gave an emotionally stirring account of his friendship with Chancellor, whose parents, widow and other family members sat on the front row. Sheriff Alex Hodge presented the family with a memorial wreath following Hutcheson’s remarks.