blevine@thestamfordtimes.com

STAMFORD — On a warm and clear Wednesday evening, hundreds of police officers lined the streets of Stamford, in a display of pride and honor.

The gathering was the Stamford Police Department's way of kicking off National Police Memorial Week, which began Sunday, May 11.

The march began around 6:30 p.m. last Wednesday, leaving from Veteran's Park on Atlantic St. and proceeding up Bedford Street. Officers, decked out in full uniform and regalia, made their way through the city on foot and in motorcycles units

Marching bands from Nassau County Emerald Society, Rockland County Police Emerald Society, Waterbury Pipes and Drums, and Leatherneck Pipes and Drums marched and played along the parade route.

"It was great day, a perfect day," said Lt. Sean Cooney. "We had an excellent turnout, and we got positive feedback from attending police offices and residents."

At police headquarters, a ceremony was held to honor fallen officers. Marieann Meringolo, a New York City-based award-winning vocalist, sang the national anthem. During the ceremonies, the police aviation unit helicopters gave the crowd a fly-by.

After the parade, a fund-raising event was held at the Thirsty Turtle in downtown Stamford. Both events were a joint effort of the department and the Stamford Police Association (SPA).

"It was a great event, and it was well received by all those who attended," said Sgt. Joe Kennedy, president of the SPA, who said nearly 2,000 police and residents attended the fund-raiser.

Kennedy said most of the police departments who participated in Wednesday's parade, have pledged to return next year.

Proceeds from the benefit held at the Thirsty Turtle went to the SPA's new "Killed in the Line of Duty Fund." The purpose of the fund is to help support the families of officers lost on the job.

Kennedy said they raised close to $20,000. Final figures were not readily available this week, he said.

"We saw a huge problem for our membership," Kennedy said. "(Wednesday's) event was about establishing this fund, and having something in place to assist officers families in the event that something horrific occurs."

The fund is a needed entity, Kennedy said, because a lot of times when officers are lost on the job, fund raising efforts are done last minute. Have something in place, gives families some level of stability, he said.

Kennedy said there will be no length of service requirements for officers' families to receive benefits from the fund. He said the SPA still has to vet what the fund will cover, but envisions it will go towards living expenses, health care costs and education, among other needs.

"I know a lot of other police departments don't have (a fund like this)," Kennedy said. "We wanted something in place so we could be prepared."