Macon-Bibb Law Enforcement Foundation honors fallen officers and first responders during remembrance ceremony

A community remembrance honored Macon-Bibb’s fallen officers and first responders, with families and local leaders gathering to show gratitude and support.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – We often take a regular workday for granted—and rarely consider not returning home. But for those in law enforcement and emergency services, that risk is very real.

The Macon-Bibb Law Enforcement Foundation held its annual Officers Memorial Ceremony on Friday.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 60 officers were killed in the line of duty in 2023. In 2021, that number was 73. Chaplain of the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department Levornia Franklin Jr. says that’s why it’s important to be grateful for emergency personnel who put others before themselves.

“I will say when you see a peace officer or firefighter, just say thank you for your services,” he said. “That’s a blessing just for someone to say thank you for what you do. Every day these men and women put their lives on the line to serve and protect our community, and the least we can do is say thank you for your service. That’s a smile in their hearts for all of us.”

Franklin adds that it’s important to come together as a community to honor the fallen.

“You don’t die—you just kind of fade away,” he said. “And we’re just showing that remembrance every year, twice a year on Mulberry, in remembrance of those who fought, served, who bled and died for our community—Macon-Bibb County. What a blessing. Stand together—we’re strong.”

Vickie Lindsey attended the ceremony to honor her son, Anthony “TJ” Freeman, who served with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. He lost his life in 2016 when his patrol vehicle was rammed by a suspect during a chase.

“It honors me because every time they say my son’s name, that helps my heart,” she said. “Because these men worked with TJ day in, day out. So, they hurt just like everybody else, and for them to remember him, that means that he put that spot in their heart and mind to remember him.”

Lindsey also shared advice for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one.

“I would tell you to pray, put it in God’s hands,” she said. “Because we’re not given tomorrow, we’re not given the next minute. Put it in God’s hands and pray and take one day at a time. If I could help any parent, any loved one make it one day further, or one step further… I’d be glad to help them.”