Today is National Peace Officer Memorial Day and it’s a time to reflect on those law enforcement officials who gave their lives in the line of duty.

According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety, two officers have been killed in the line of duty in Greene County since records were first kept in 1868. Marshal John Swearingen of the Jefferson Police Department was shot and killed on June 21, 1902. He was attempting to serve an arrest warrant for a man with an assault charge. The suspect refused to surrender and the next day, Swearingen tried to arrest him and was shot and died from the wound.

Greene County Sheriff’s Deputy James Busby was killed in the line of duty on May 7, 1911. He was chasing two suspects who had robbed the Paton Post Office. The chase led to the former French School south of Paton. Deputy Busby opened the door to apprehend the suspects and was shot in the chest and died.

Take time today to remember those who have given their lives and those who continue to serve and protect the public as law enforcement officials.