DCSO release - DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating every May 15th as Peace Officer Memorial Day and the week in which it falls, National Police Week.  Across the United States, ceremonies are held to remember those serving in law enforcement who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.  The Douglas County Sheriff's Office will host a local Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 9:00 am on the front lawn of the Courthouse. This ceremony, which is open to members of the community, will pay tribute to the six Douglas County law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty:  •    Officer Donald DeSues - Roseburg Police Department - EOW August 7, 1959; •    Special Deputy Ronald H. Terwilliger - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985; •    Corporal Virgle D. Knight Jr. - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985; •    Sergeant Gerald G. Chirrick - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985; •    Deputy Morris L. Taylor - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW September 14, 2002; •    Deputy S. Allen Burdic - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW March 11, 2021.  The tribute will include a proclamation reading by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, a police honor guard, wreath laying ceremony, bagpipes, a 21-gun salute and a county-wide radio broadcast.