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Newport News Police Department hosts annual memorial service, honors Officer Katie Thyne with portrait

Posted at 10:08 AM, Oct 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-28 18:23:57-04

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - It has been almost a year since the death of Newport News Police Officer, Katie Thyne. The 24-year-old mother was killed during a traffic stop in January.

While she and eleven other Newport News Police Officers have died in the line of duty over the years the community is determined to keep their memories alive.

On Wednesday, October 28, 2020 the department hosted an annual Memorial Service to honor the lives of those twelve officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in their service to the citizens of Newport News.

During the service, a portrait of Officer Katherine Thyne was unveiled.

"I think it will help us heal as we move forward, but I know it was desperately needed and very, very important to this community as well as this department," said Police Chief Steve Drew. "It will almost have been 26 years since we lost a Newport News Police Officer in the line of duty and when Officer Thyne gave her life back in January of this year I could not in good conscience, could not not do the ceremony."

The portrait will now hang in the foyer of police headquarters for all to see.

Captain Jason Bollhorst of the South Precinct spoke at the service and said, "for Katie we cling to the hope that you know how truly loved and missed you are by all and we wish you eternal peace in your heavenly body"

This year's ceremony, which is typically held during Police Week in May, had to be postponed due to the pandemic.

"Remember that none of us, none of us, are promised tomorrow that’s what significant [about today]," said Chief Drew.

Due to the Governor's mandate, attendees were required to wear masks and no more than 250 people were allowed in the venue.