KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL)—As National Police Week comes to an end, the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) held a memorial event to honor the men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Every day, the men and women in blue go out to serve the community, aware of the dangers they may face.

You want to come home and do everything you can to come home,” SCSO Deputy Clayton Potter said. “But you just don’t know.”

Each year, SCSO honors those it has lost in the line of duty. This year, the memorials included the Kingsport Police Department and the Bristol Police Department.

“We thought we would combine the entire county and just represent and recognize those officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Sheriff Jeff Cassidy said.

Deputy Potter said the bond between officers goes beyond the department.

“Whether you’re a police officer, a deputy or law enforcement,” he said.”You’re doing the same duty no matter where you’re at.”

Also in attendance were the families of the fallen officers. Sheriff Cassidy said he wanted to make sure the families knew their loved ones won’t be lost to time.

“They’ve lost a brother, a mother, a sister, father,” he said. “And we just want to show them that these names will never be forgotten.”

Officers of all ages attended the memorial, including some who had never experienced the loss of their fellow officers. Cassidy said the event shows them exactly why they chose this job.

“I think it’s very important that they see that this job is stressful,” he said. “And at the end of the day, we will lay our lives down protecting those in our community.”

Members of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Tennessee Highway Department, and the District Attorney’s Office were also present.