Fallen peace officers honored in Colorado Springs

The nation begins observing Memorial Day next weekend, but on Friday local ceremonies were part of National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day.

A ceremony at Memorial Park honored the 30 law enforcement officers in the Pikes Peak region who have died in the line of duty since 1895.

Among the attendees were Beck and John Bechtelheimer, the son and grandson, respectively, of Harold Bechtelheimer, who in 1949 became the first Colorado state trooper killed while on duty.

Beck Bechtelheimer said his father was shot to death during a traffic stop involving people who earlier robbed a liquor store in Castle Rock.

“He got to his patrol car and was able to radio in to the dispatcher that he had been shot,” Beck Bechtelheimer said. “By the time they got to him, he had passed. I was just getting to know him. I was 16 at the time.”

Bechtelheimer said the three robbers were eventually caught.

John Bechtelheimer is a prison guard with the state Department of Corrections and has six grandchildren.

“I try my hardest to be a grandfather because I didn’t have that benefit by having my grandfather in my life, to take me fishing or whatever,” he said.

John Bechtelheimer said the service was a fitting tribute to the fallen officers.

“They always put on a good service here and I appreciate what they do, and the fact that we remember our fallen, that means a lot to me,” he said.

Also reflecting on the ceremony was Jeff Jensen, a Colorado Springs police officer. His brother, Jared Jensen, was a fellow officer killed by a wanted parolee in 2006.

“I think overall, public sentiment isn’t as positive for law enforcement as maybe it’s been in years past,” Jeff Jensen said. “In the end, we need to remember it’s indisputable that without these men and women doing this job, the world would be a much worse place.”

The ceremony included the laying of a wreath of yellow flowers, the release of doves and the release of a blue balloon after the name of each fallen officer was read.

James Cooley watched the ceremony while holding a sign that read, “Law enforcement officers’ lives matter.”

“It’s a very hard job, and (the way) things have been going on in the last few years, with riots and shootings, I feel like I just need to show my support as best as I can,” Cooley said.

Organizers hope to have a future permanent home for the memorial at America the Beautiful Park.