PARKERSBURG - While residents are celebrating the holiday season, police officers ask them to keep those killed this year in the line of duty in thoughts and prayers.
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, odmp.org, the deadliest days for police officers are in the middle of holiday festivities. Christmas eve, Christmas day and New Year's day are listed on the ODMP website as the three single days the most officers are killed during a calendar year.
According to statistics, 121 officers have been killed in the line of duty this year; 45 from gunfire. Three West Virginia officers were killed in 2012; 109 males and 12 females have died, with the average age listed as 41 and the average tour of duty 11 years and 11 months. About 18 police canine units were killed in 2012, six being from gun fire as well.
The Parkersburg Police Department and Sgt. Greg Collins ask the Mid-Ohio Valley to keep those injured or killed this year while protecting citizens in thoughts and prayers.
"Please keep all of the officers in the Mid-Ohio Valley in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to work throughout the holidays so others may safety enjoy them," he said.
W.Va. officers killed in 2012:
* Sgt. Michael Todd May, Monongalia County Sheriff's Department
End of Watch: 2-18-12
Cause of Death: Vehicle Pursuit
* Cpl. Marshall Lee Bailey, West Virginia State Police
End of Watch: 8-28-12
Cause of Death: Gunfire
* Trooper Eric M. Workman, West Virginia State Police
End of Watch: 8-31-12
Cause of Death: Gunfire
