What began as an idea among local leaders and law enforcement agencies has morphed into a monument designed to commemorate the lives of officers who died in the line of duty while in service to the community.

The public is invited for the unveiling of the monument at 2 p.m. today in front of the Rowan County Courthouse on North Main Street.

Rowan County Sheriff Kevin Auten said County Commissioner Mike Caskey floated the idea for some sort of memorial. Auten said he then heard from Sgt. Wes Smith, who along with his wife, Trish, have visited several law enforcement monuments across the nation. The couple pitched the idea for a memorial to honor fallen law officers. The monument was put in place last week.

Auten said there are many who had a role in making the monument a reality, including county Planning Director Ed Muire, County Manager Aaron Church, Mark Loman, local police chiefs, and Rowan Public Library Services Director Jeff Hall and his staff, who helped with historical information. 

There are 12 names on the monument, and “we hope we never have to add another name,” Auten said.

Some of the speakers during the ceremony will include Salisbury Mayor Al Heggins, Rowan County Commissioner Greg Edds, U.S. Attorney Matthew Martin, Caskey and Robert Clement, whose father, Robert Clement, is listed among those who died in the line of duty.

This week is National Police Week, during which communities nationwide pay tribute to law enforcement officers.