Across the United States on May 15, and here in the U.S. Virgin Islands, law enforcement communities pause to remember those who died in the line of duty. The Virgin Islands Police Department and its supporters held a motorcade and memorial service Thursday afternoon.
Rush hour traffic paused along Veterans Drive while Assistant Police Commissioner Sean Santos tossed a floral wreath into Charlotte Amalie Harbor. Officers honored the flags of the U.S. and the V.I., borne to the site by a color guard.
The names of ten peace officers — nine police and one court marshal — were displayed outside the Zone A – Richard Callwood Command. The latest name added was Lionel Emanuel Isaac, who died on May 18, 1948.
Some of those remembered died accidentally, some in gun battles. Elected officials joined relatives of the posthumous honorees, including former Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory, niece of slain officer Ariel Frett.
The family of the late Detective Delberth Phipps, Jr., was also in attendance; in 2024, the Phipps family was in Washington, D.C., attending a ceremony where their loved one’s name was added to the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall.
Phipps Jr. died on July 4, 2023, in Hospital Ground while responding to a call about a man brandishing a gun.
Survivors received bouquets from ceremony organizers.
Santos — who appeared on behalf of Police Commissioner Mario Brooks — expressed gratitude for those who were remembered. “This is a moment to reflect, to remember, and to give thanks for the courage and dedication of those who have served our beloved U.S. Virgin Islands,” the assistant commissioner said.
Lawmakers in attendance included Sens. Dwayne DeGraff, Marvin Blyden, and Avery Lewis.
Santos also thanked those who continue to protect and serve in the name of public safety.
