During National Police Week Americans honor our officers who still serve, and those who have died in the line of duty. As National Police Week comes to a close, here in Louisville, families of fallen officers say every day is an opportunity to honor our brave men and women.
"Every time we go to one of these memorials, it's bittersweet. It's wonderful that Peter's remembered, but to see your son's name engraved in stone is very heart wrenching, but again, that's what Peter did, he served his community and served it well. We had 27 years, and I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world." Donald Grignon says his world was turned upside down, when his son, Peter Grignon, a Metro Police Officer, was brutally shot and killed while on duty five years ago.
Across the nation, many Americans are remembering our fallen officers this week. Grignon says he honors Peter every day.
"It's to memorialize peter, it has his name on it. his department and they have EOW which is end of watch," said Grignon, of his special bracelets he wears.
It is a subtle way to show his support, he wears two bracelets, and a miniature replica of his son's badge--which he has worn each day since his son's tragic death.
"I need nothing on my body, wrist bands or the badge, Peter is with me constantly, but it is a way for me to show to the public who I was the father too. One of my sons was a police officer and died," said Grignon.
He says memorials like the one on Jefferson Square, and the one in Washington, D.C., remind us of our officers who put their lives on the line, something the general public can sometimes overlook.
"When there's trouble you have the first responders of police, fire, and EMS, and they run toward the trouble, you and I would turn around and run away from it."
He proudly wears his bracelets and badge, and says there is a way you can show gratitude to our officers. "But every day, if you can see a policeman and say hi, wave to them or just shake their hand, or just smile at them, let them know that they are appreciated, it will do wonders for our police force and it will make you feel better too."