In clumps of officers’ uniforms, formal attire and a smattering of civilian wear, many paid their respects to the fallen state troopers outside Troop B headquarters. Sun beat down and a breeze washed through the crowd as Maj. Darin Pitkin spoke to families and friends of fallen troopers, current troopers and retired members of the faction of the state police that began in 1921.

“Their sacrifices remind us all of the risk in our chosen profession,” Pitkin said.

Pitkin added that he hopes no more stones will be placed here to honor other fallen troopers. By two large flagpoles surrounded by large stones lay engraved, grey bricks honoring those who had passed during the line of duty. Fourteen have been laid in the 98 years since the inception of Troop B.

“The sacrifices of those before us has made this agency what it is today,” Pitkin said.

Family members lay white roses on the commemorative stones of their fallen loved ones. (Enterprise photo — Kevin Shea)

White roses were given to the family members of three troopers who had died in recent years: Brian Falb, Lawrence Gleason and Shawn Snow. Family members then chose to lay the roses by a commemorative wreath and upon the memorial stones.

State troopers and civilians stand for the singing of the national anthem. (Enterprise photo — Kevin Shea)

The color guard retires the flags. (Enterprise photo — Kevin Shea)

A trooper hands white roses to the family members of a fallen trooper. (Enterprise photo — Kevin Shea)

Family members lay white roses on the commemorative stones of their fallen loved ones. (Enterprise photo — Kevin Shea)

White roses lie on the commemorative stone of fallen state Trooper Brian Falb. (Enterprise photo — Kevin Shea)