A memorial ceremony Friday for fallen Lawrence police officers was a “reality check,” Police Chief Ron Olin said.

The last time a Lawrence officer was killed in the line of duty was 1931. But to Olin and others, the shooting deaths of two Kansas law officers in the past year serve as a reminder that tragedy could happen any time they put on the uniform.

“It’s really miraculous that we haven’t had one of these in 74 years,” Olin said. “It’s a violent society.”

Wearing black elastic bands across their badges, about 50 officers gathered at the department’s Investigations and Training Center, 4820 Bob Billings Parkway, for a ceremony around a flagpole. The department’s honor guard placed wreaths next to memorial markers for Allen Moore, Melvin Howe and Wilson Pringle.

Moore accidentally dropped his gun and shot himself on May 22, 1901. Pringle was shot and killed by a burglar on Oct. 16, 1909. Howe was shot and killed during a traffic stop on April 24, 1931.

“We’re honoring those that gave their lives protecting and serving each one of us,” Commissioner Mike Amyx said. “We want to give you all a very special ‘Thank you.’ “

Representatives of the KU Public Safety Office, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical also attended.

Lawrence Police officers, from left, Matt Sarna and Mike Monroe, lay a wreath on the grave of a Lawrence Police officer who is one of two officers buried in Oak Hill Cemetery. The Lawrence force hasn't lost an officer in the line of duty since 1931.

Afterward, members of the department’s honor guard drove to local cemeteries to place wreaths on the officers’ graves. Some then went to Topeka for a ceremony at the Statehouse as part of the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony.

It’s been an especially deadly year for Kansas officers.

Harvey County sheriff’s deputy Kurt Ford was shot and killed April 9 in Newton after a standoff related to a domestic disturbance.

Greenwood County Sheriff Matt Samuels, 42, was shot Jan. 19 near Virgil in northeast Greenwood County as he was serving search and arrest warrants for a man wanted on burglary and theft charges and for violating parole.

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“That shooting, as I understand it, was pretty much an ambush,” Olin said.

Flags flew at half-staff statewide to commemorate the memorial day, and will again May 15 for National Peace Officer’s Memorial Day.