Ocean Springs Police Department said in a Facebook post that it held a wreath-laying ceremony to honor Police Sergeant Earnest F. “Red” Beaugez, whose End of Watch was May 27, 1954. Members of the department also attended a separate wreath ceremony honoring Major Nathaniel Smith of the Pascagoula Police Department.
The department said the ceremonies were held in recognition of National Peace Officers Memorial Day, an observance that honors law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. Wreath-laying ceremonies are a traditional way for agencies and communities to pay respects and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Ocean Springs is a city on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; Pascagoula is a neighboring community. Local police departments often participate in memorial events to show solidarity with fellow officers and to underscore the risks public safety personnel face while serving their communities.
The Ocean Springs Police Department said it remains grateful for the courage and dedication of officers who gave their lives in service. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
