© 2024 WVIK
Listen at 90.3 FM and 98.3 FM in the Quad Cities, 95.9 FM in Dubuque, or on the WVIK app!
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Community

East Moline Police Remember Officer Morton

WVIK Staff

East Moline residents gathered at Morton Drive today, to honor the man who gave the street its name. This morning, the East Moline Police Department held a memorial for Richard Morton, an officer killed in the line of duty. 
Morton was killed in 1969, when he confronted a man threatening children with a gun. Retired Police Chief Reggie Freeman says he grew up in the same neighborhood as Morton.

Credit WVIK Staff
Law enforcement officers honor Richard Morton at a memorial service on May 27.

 Captain John Reynolds spoke at the service. He says it's important to recognize the sacrifice police officers make every day. And last year, for example, there was a 9 percent increase in law enforcement deaths. 

Freeman says the Richard Morton memorial is part of a national effort to recognize fallen police officers during the month of May.