Fallen officer memorial unveiled at St. Joseph County Jail

ST. JOSEPH, Ind. -- Exactly 50 years ago, a St. Joseph County officer was killed in the line of duty.

On Friday morning, the Department unveiled a memorial.

It honors Lt. James Mumford and other fallen officers.

Members of the community, firefighters, and officers gathered outside of the County Jail.

In 1962, after transporting inmates, and heading back to the station, Mumford lost control of his cruiser and slammed into a tree.

It happened in Lakeville.

Officers said he had a medical condition and that's what lead to the crash.

"It's well overdue. This is something that's very important. We want to make sure that our officers are never forgotten. Even though we've been fortunate enough to have only one officer killed in the line of duty. It's our responsibility to make sure that that officer is never forgotten," said Sgt. Bill Redman of the St. Joseph County Police.

Officers said this has been in the works for years, and they are thrilled it came together just in time for the Memorial Day holiday.