A memorial service for fallen officers in and out of Anson County was held May 20 as part of National Police Week.

Active and retired law enforcement made up a large portion of the several dozen attendees in front of the Anson County Courthouse. The service also recognized these officers.

There are more than 900,000 active law enforcement officers in the United States, Sheriff Tommy Allen said. In 2008, 133 died in the line of duty.

So far in 2009, 49 have died, a 26 percent increase over this time last year.

"Anson County has had eight die in the line of duty," he said.

The most recent death was that of Josh W. Oliver, a State Highway Trooper who died March 24, 2004, after an automobile accident that occurred 18 months earlier. His vehicle struck a bridge while responding to a call during a rain storm.

James Marion Sings is the earliest recorded death. On July 20, 1910, the McFarlan officer served a warrant on an individual in a railroad work camp. Another person demanded the prisoner's release and the confrontation ended with the officer shot three times.

Newspaper records are unclear if the perpetrator was ever caught.

The names and circumstances of all eight officers were read aloud.

"May there never be a number nine on this list," the Rev. Bob Wells said. He urged people to pray for law enforcement.

Wells gave the invocation and the closing prayer.

The flag was lowered to half-mast and a moment of silence was observed.