South Bend Police Department, local law enforcement honor fallen officers to kick off National Police Week

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The South Bend Police Department alongside local law enforcement agencies kicked off National Police Week with a wreath laying ceremony at Southlawn Cemetery Monday morning.

The ceremony started at 10 a.m. with officers, survivors and local government officials in attendance.

National Police Week is held for one week in May and follows the motto "honoring our fallen, supporting our survivors." People who lost their loved ones in the line of duty are referred to as survivors.

James Burns wears many hats as a Patrolman and the Chaplain for Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 36 and the South Bend Police Department.

He says in his 27-year career, losing a fellow officer never gets easier, but he pushes through, so he never forgets how important it is to honor their sacrifice.

“It’s important because it’s the history. It’s the legacy of our department, not only for our department, but for those officers who did give that ultimate sacrifice that we know without a doubt that they’ll never be forgotten. That’s what this is about, that’s what it symbolizes and it’s important to all of us," Burns explained.

It’s not just the fallen officers who are never forgotten. It’s also their loved ones left behind who survived an unimaginable loss.

"He was just an awesome son and police officer."

Kathy Karczewski lost her son, South Bend Police Corporal Scott Severns 20 years ago. He made the ultimate sacrifice April 21, 2006, when he was attacked and fought for not only his life, but a friend too. He died on April 23, 2006.

"It really makes me feel good that they remember all the fallen officers and all the police officers, not just my son. It’s for everybody, all the police officers and it just makes me feel good," shared Karczewski.

For Karczewski, it doesn't feel like 20 years have passed by. While she may never be able to physically hold her son again, she knows she’s not alone.

"Oh, he's right here," said Kraczewski, as she patted her left shoulder. "All the time, all the time."

Corporal Severns isn’t alone either. Not only is he surrounded by fellow officers, but he's also buried with his dog, Bruno, who passed a year later.

There will be a Fallen Officer Memorial Service on Friday, May 15 at 7:30 at the South Bend Police Department.