DEER LODGE – The emotional ceremony in Deer Lodge held Tuesday reminds those in law enforcement about the harsh reality of their job.
“Each one that are in this profession understands that today might be your last day,” said Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton.
The Law Enforcement Memorial Service held at the Old Montana Prison commemorated the last day of Broadwater County Sheriff’s Deputy Mason Moore, who was shot to death during a traffic stop near Three Forks on May 16 of last year.
More than 120 officers have been killed in the line of duty in Montana’s history.
“Montana has a lot of dirt between light bulbs. Your backup is often an hour away. You learn to be diplomatic. You learn to show respect, but there are people who don’t show respect. People who set out to kill us,” Dutton said.
Deputy Moore’s fellow officers were at the ceremony to remember their fallen comrade.
"He was a great officer. He was a great man. He loved his family. He loved his kids. You know, he was one of those guys who was willing to do anything that he could,” said Broadwater County Sheriff’s Chaplain Eric Crusch.
It was just one day after last year’s ceremony that Deputy Moore was killed. Now, the men and women of the Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office said they made it through that traumatic time by standing together.
“We just really rallied around each other to make sure no one is forgotten and that everyone’s there, you know, that’s how we’re getting through this. Just takes us time. We’re rallying around each other and continuing to go forward,” Crusch said.
