Family, friends honor fallen Clay County Deputy Ben Zirbel in police memorial service

Family and friends came out to remember fallen Clay County Deputy, Ben Zirbel.

He died in a motorcycle crash last year while in the line of duty.

Next week his name will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C.

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His wife, Anna Zirbel, will be joining a handful of his fellow deputies in D.C when they place his name on the memorial.

“It’s the biggest sacrifice he could give and I’m very proud of him and we will always miss him,” said Anna Zirbel.

Anna Zirbel placed a rose in front of her husband’s picture.

Ben Zirbel was part of the motorcycle unit.  Their 8-year-old son, Ethan placed a yellow rose on a motorcycle in honor of his father.

“It’s a very heartfelt moment … it brings up so many different memories that are both beautiful and sad at the same time,” said Anna Zirbel.

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The Clay County Sheriff's Office began fundraising efforts at the beginning of the year and with the community’s support was able to raise over $30,000 so deputies can say farewell to their friend in D.C.

“It’s something that, you know, 10 to 15 years from now I can go to that wall and say I knew that guy, he was a great guy and he died doing what he loved,” said Lt. Dom Paniccia.

He’s not the only deputy to die in the line of duty; Wednesday’s memorial was also about honoring the nine people in Clay County who made the ultimate sacrifice and died in the line of duty.

Cox Media Group