Jackson, Mich. (WKHM) — The 2026 Jackson Law Enforcement Memorial took place this Wednesday afternoon at the TRUE Community Credit Union Square in the City of Jackson to remember and honor local law enforcement officers who were slain in the line of duty.
Members of the community gathered to hear from officials with the Michigan State Police Jackson Post (MSP), Jackson Police Department (JPD), Jackson County Office of the Sheriff (JSO), Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety (DPS), and more.
The event began with an introduction from MSP Sergeant Chandler Sidwell, an invocation from JaxNaz Pastor Bryce Gernand, and the posting of the colors from JPD’s Honor Guard. The national anthem was performed by the Jackson High School (JHS) Choir.
Welcoming remarks were given by JPD Chief Christopher Simpson, who touched on the importance of honoring the lives of law enforcement that have been lost.
Attorney at Law Jarod Hopkins, who was the memorial’s keynote speaker, spoke about the devastating impact of the death of JPD Officer James Bonneau in 2010 and the strength of the men and women in uniform to be able to continue to serve their community through the loss.
The Roll Call of Heroes was then read by DPS Chief Darin McIntosh, with the following list of Jackson law enforcement officers being honored:
- Sgt. Frederick Booth (March 1906) – JPD
- Capt. John Holzapfel (February 1907) – JPD
- Undersheriff Harry Worden (July 1920) – JSO
- Off. Leonard Carey (December 1930) – JPD
- Deputy Fred Reilly (June 1954) – JSO
- Lt. William James Nixon (April 1978) – JPD
- Trooper Tony L. Thames (June 1983) – MSP
- Officer Niles Johantgen (December 1991) – Atlanta Police Department (Jackson resident)
- Trooper Manuel Fields (August 1994) – MSP
- Officer James Bonneau (March 2010) – JPD
- Trooper Chad Wolf (August 2015) – MSP
- Trooper Chad Dermyer (March 2016) – Virginia State Police (former JPD)
The memorial song “Officer Down” was sung by Mallery Lippmann, followed by “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes as performed by William Collins.
A gun salute was given by the JSO’s Honor Guard, and “Taps” was played by JHS Band Director Jillian Bowe.
JSO Sheriff Gary Schuette provided the closing remarks for the memorial, detailing what the “thin blue line” represents and stating that those who were honored stood on that line.
More photographs from the 2026 Jackson Law Enforcement Memorial are available on the WKHM Facebook page.
