May 16th, 2025 – 4:25 PM
Ethan Garrett – WRGA Digital News Editor & Video Reporter –
The annual Peace Officers Memorial Service was held Friday morning at Memorial Plaza in Downtown Rome, honoring 21 local law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.
The ceremony featured the reading of names dating back to 1874, with a new addition this year: Sgt. Jeffery Robert Smith of the Berry College Police Department, who died from COVID-19 complications contracted while on duty.
A 21-gun salute was performed from the roof of the law enforcement center by the Rome-Floyd SWAT team.
Recognition was given to PFC Dalton Gibbs, named Officer of the Year for Rome City Police, and James Womack of the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, honored as Field Operations Deputy of the Year. Both men also took part in reading the names of the fallen.
Floyd County Commission Chair Allison Watters made a joint proclamation with the City of Rome, dedicating this week as Law Enforcement Memorial Week.
