This week is National Police Officers Memorial Week. Officer M.A. “Bert” Conrey is a former Knoxville police officer whose memorial is located outside the Knoxville Police Department. Conrey’s end of watch was April 2nd, 1938 after he was attacked and beaten when he ordered an intoxicated couple off of the streets. Conrey was hospitalized with a broken jaw and other injuries and remained there until his death 16 days later due to a brain hemorrhage. Both suspects were convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 45 years in jail.

Conrey was 56 years old, and served for 23 years.

Officer Virgil Behrens was a Marion County Deputy from Knoxville who passed away in June 2008. Behrens died from injuries sustained in an automobile accident on his way to training in Des Moines after serving for 13 years.

Conrey and Behrens will be recognized among other fallen officers during a ceremony Saturday at the Knoxville Police Department, which begins at 11:00 a.m. and is open to the public.