During the ninth annual Police Memorial Ceremony of Central West Michigan, beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 8, Ferris State University and the Big Rapids community will pay respect and tribute to officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The ceremony will be held outside the FLITE building, located at 1010 Campus Drive in Big Rapids. The memorial includes police bagpipers, a 21-gun salute, the playing of Taps, honor guard, K-9 protector and a rider-less mount. Mark Jacobs, a Big Rapids Middle School student, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance for attendees.

Ferris President David Eisler will give the welcome address. Pastor Jon Fleming, police chaplain, will conduct the Solemnity of the Moment. Mecosta County Prosecutor Peter Jaklevic will introduce the reflection on the officers.

Mecosta County Sheriff Todd Purcell will remember Officer James Ryan McCandless, whose end of watch was Aug. 2, 2011. Trooper Joseph Rowley will remember Michigan State Police Trooper Jeffery James Werda, his partner, whose end of watch was April 6, 2011.

The ceremony also includes the lowering of the flag and placing of the wreath. The U.S. Coast Guard Air Station in Traverse City will fly its helicopter over the library, and the ceremony concludes with the Big Rapids Middle School Choir singing “Irish Blessing.”

The public will have an opportunity to visit with police officers following the ceremony in the lot adjacent to the flags area immediately following the event.

For more information, call Ferris State University Police at (231) 591-5000.