May 15th is Police Memorial Day around that nation, a time to remember those who gave their lives protecting others.  In Danbury, a ceremony was held Friday at police headquarters on Main Street.  There was a moment of silence and a 21 gun salute. 

Spokesman Lt Joseph Lerose says officers who went above and beyond the call of duty in the past year were also honored.  44 members of the police department were recognized for their actions. 

New Milford Police yesterday recognized an officer from their department who lost his life nearly 51 years ago.  Officer Kenneth Couch died in the line of duty on June 3rd 1964 while attempting a water rescue in the swollen waters of the Housatonic River. 

Couch was 61-years old when he responded to a call on June 3rd 1964.  There was a report of a man and teenager whose boat may have capsized near the dam on the Housatonic.  Couch and Officer Ted Adams, who later became Police Chief, capsized and were pulled into an undertow.  Couch, trapped under the dam, drowned.  The original call of a capsize and boaters were never found.

A monument and plaque were dedicated yesterday at the New Milford Police Station. 

(Photos: New Milford Police; Facebook)

The American flag and flagpole were donated by Peter Orenski.  The monument, with brass plaque, was designed by Ray Crawford.