Deputies, loved ones remember fallen

For many, Thursday's memorial was a way to remember Escambia County deputies who gave their lives to protect us.

But for loved ones, the sense of loss is felt every day.

Every year, Sandra Ray places another rose by the memorial where her husband Buddy's name is etched forever.

"It makes you think that he's just gone and I really miss him. There's not a day that goes by that I don't miss him," said Ray.

Buddy Ray had just joined the department when he was killed.

Sandra says the ceremony always brings back fond memories of him.

"He was just a very loving and caring person. He had this one inmate that liked art. So he sent me to the mall to get art supplies for him. He was just a very giving person," Ray said.

Faye Moran and Elizabeth Lumpkin lost their father Mallory Williams in 1942.

Moran says the loss has stuck with her since she was 6 years-old.

"It was hard to adjust to as a child. I just never had a daddy after that," said Moran.

Don Smith says he knew a number of the deputies whose names are on the wall.

"It's touching. I just get emotional because I worked with them. I knew their wives and I knew their kids. It's great to get a chance to come out here and honor those men," Smith said.

Sheriff David Morgan says no matter how many years pass, handing the roses to loved ones never gets easier.

"You feel helpless. It's wholly inadequate to say thank you to a family and tell them that we share in your grief and your loss. There's really nothing you can do to fill that void," said Morgan.

Margaret Muller is Faye Moran's daughter. She says it's touching to see the ceremony honor her grandfather.

"It just makes us feel great that nobody has forgotten them after all these years. They still honor these men that went out and died trying to keep our town safe," Muller said.

The last time an Escambia County Deputy was killed in the line of duty was in 2004.

For more information on the deputies on the memorial wall, click here.