A Lincoln County deputy, a Brookhaven police officer, and a former Brookhaven police officer will have their names added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C. on May 13.

Lincoln County

After a search of old records, it was discovered that on June 24, 1938, Lincoln County Deputy Sheriff Robert Edward Moak had been assaulted and later died as a result of his injuries. The records indicate that the assault was in connection to a court case that Moak had testified on and that the assault occurred while he was on duty. The suspect was later arrested and convicted of manslaughter.

Due to the circumstances of the incident, the information was submitted in 2022 to the Memorial for Moak to be added. The memorial currently has 23,785 names of fallen officers from across the nation.

This year, there will be 556 names added to the wall — 224 who died in 2022, and 332 historical additions. Deputy Robert Moak Jr. was approved to be added and will be recognized at the national candlelight ceremony May 13, 2023, during National Police Week.

“During this week, we want to recognize his sacrifice many years ago,” said Lincoln County Sheriff Steve Rushing, “as well as the sacrifice of our other Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office fallen officers — Deputy William Durr, end of watch May 27, 2017; and Correctional Officer Marshall London Jr., end of watch May 18, 2020.

Brookhaven

Brookhaven Police officer Marzell J. Brooks, who died in November 2020 of COVID contracted while on duty, will be added to the monument.

Kennis W. Crooms, a former Brookhaven police officer, was killed in the line of duty as a Meridian police officer in June 2022. His name will also be added to the memorial.