Fallen Heroes Remembered Across Maryland

TIMONIUM, Md. (WJZ) -- Remembering fallen heroes. On Friday, all of Maryland paused to remember officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

WJZ's George Solis has the details behind the touching tribute on Fallen Heroes Day.

It was the 31st annual Fallen Heroes Day. Friday's rainy weather was fitting of a ceremony full of tears and families remembering their loved ones gone too soon.

Rain falling over Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens was a fitting backdrop for Friday's annual Fallen Heroes Day ceremony in Timonium.

It is a day the state pauses to pay tribute to the first responders we've lost in the past year--heroes like Montgomery County police officer Noah Leotta, who was killed in the line of duty at the hands of a suspected drunk driver.

"For me, it's bittersweet in that I'm proud that they're honoring Noah and these other men and women--it's fitting and proper we do that--but it's also like burying my son again each time," said Rich Leotta, father.

Also honored on Friday were two Harford County deputies who died while responding to a call of a shooter at an Abingdon Panera Bread.

Deputy Patrick Dailey was shot inside the restaurant. His colleague, Deputy Mark Logsdon, was shot shortly after.

"Harford County's winter was cold and it was dark. We honored and paid tribute to the memory of our two fallen brothers."

Prince George's County police detective Jacai Colson was also honored during the ceremony.

Colson was shot in a case of friendly fire while responding to a call of an active shooter at the police department.

Governor Larry Hogan fought back tears as he addressed each tragedy.

"I got a little choked up and emotional because I care so much about these folks and their families," the governor said.

On Friday, two fallen heroes were additionally recognized for their ultimate sacrifice--a firefighter and police officer who died in the line of duty before Fallen Heroes Day was established.

Prince George's County firefighter and paramedic John Ulmschneider, who died in the line of duty this past April, was also recognized at Friday's ceremony. He will be officially honored next year.

Including Friday, a total of 175 fallen heroes have been honored during the annual ceremony.