Today marks the seventh anniversary since a Louisville Metro Police officer was killed in the line of duty. Every year on this day, police gather at Cave Hill Cemetery. They're remembering Officer Peter Grignon, who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
At the Police Memorial in Jefferson Square, Rebecca Grignon runs her finger over her husband's name, Officer Peter Grignon. She says, "Today is difficult in that we remember losing Peter today, but nice that everyone remembers with us."
Rebecca spent the morning with her in-laws and police officers to remember him at his grave site.
Don Grignon, Peter's father says, "It is something that we will never get over. We have to live with it and we will."
Peter's father wears two bracelets that honor him. Rebecca wears one too, and resized his wedding band that is on her right hand.
She says, "We think about him every day. We gained a huge family when he passed."
The 27-year-old Louisville Metro Police officer died on March 23rd, 2005. He was responding to a call of a hit-and-run accident in Louisville's South End when police say 17-year-old Travis Ballard shot Grignon several times, then turned the gun on himself.
Family members say some good has come out of Peter's death. Don Grignon says, "Barbara and I have been searching for a long time to find ways to reach out and help and we are now using our experiences through Southeast Christian Church which has a grief group. We are in training to become facilitators there."
Rebecca reaches out to other families through "Supporting Heroes." It's a non-profit organization that provides support to families of Police, Fire, and EMS workers killed in the line of duty.
Peter was an officer in the Second Division. Outside the police department is a memorial and park benches honoring his service.
A street sign with Grignon's name is also in the back of the police department. His family says seven years later, he is still in the minds and hearts of many.
Rebecca Grignon says, "I want people to know when they think of Peter to look around at his brother and sisters in blue and at any time that could be one of them."
People can also comment on the "Remembering Peter Grignon" Facebook page. Several messages have already been posted.