Lawrence Law Enforcement personnel pay their respects Friday at Maple Grove Cemetery to Officer Allen Moore, who died in 1901 in the line of duty. Wreaths were also laid Friday for Officer Wilson Pringle, who died in 1909, and Officer Melvin Howe, who died in 1931.

Amid solemn ceremonies Thursday to honor the decades-ago losses of three Lawrence police officers in the line of duty, three current officers reflected on what it means to wake up each morning and wear the uniform that signifies service, civility and strength.

They offered their thoughts between early-morning wreath-laying events at the graves of Officer Allen Moore, who died in 1901; Officer Wilson Pringle, who died in 1909; and Officer Melvin Howe, who died in 1931.

Sgt. Mike Monroe, Lawrence

Sgt. Mike Monroe, Lawrence

“On a day like today it has special meaning to put on the uniform because we’re all honoring our fallen officers who have gone before, both locally and … across the state who have given their lives in the line of duty.

“I think it does take special meaning on a day like today. A lot of times, when we put on our uniform, we think about the same things that everybody else thinks about — what their kids are doing in school, and what we’re going to do after work — but on a day like today it definitely makes it special.”

Officer David Ernst, Lawrence

Officer David Ernst, Lawrence

“The uniform represents a sense of honor and pride in your community. … (As for the risks involved,) I don’t think about it. I expect to go home everyday. I have a family, just like most everybody else does, and obviously, on days like this, it’s a reminder of the potential danger of this profession. But in general, no, I don’t think about that because I tell myself I’m going to go home everyday.”

Capt. Mark Witt, KU Public Safety

Capt. Mark Witt, KU Public Safety

“It’s the commitment to the community, that they rely on us to protect them. Some days it’s not much; some days it’s a little more. Some days it’s to help push them out of the street; some days it’s to help on something with their kids.”