Law enforcement officers never know what they're going to face while making routine calls.

And each year hundreds of them are injured or killed in the line of duty.

Today at the Mosinee Area Fire Department, dozens showed up to honor past and present members and their families.

The memorial ceremony included a flag raising, singing, a gun salute and speeches.

The Mosinee police chief says every call an officer takes needs to be taken seriously.

"The main thing is to always be aware, always be alert. It's okay to have a little bit of fear because the fear is what causes you to be alert and that's how we approach every call," said Chief Ken Muelling.

During the memorial, Muelling recognized former Marathon County deputy Jeff Sheets who was killed in the line of duty in 1994.

He says it's vital to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

On October 1st, 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed each May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor all federal, state and municipal officers who've been killed or disabled in the line of duty.