Flags dip as the national anthem is sung as the Providence Police Department holds its annual Peace Officer Memorial Service to honor police officers who have died.

The Providence Journal / Andrew Dickerman

PROVIDENCE — A police rifle squad fired three volleys and a bugler from the Rhode Island National Guard played taps yesterday at the annual Peace Officer Memorial Service at the Public Safety Complex.

Mayor David N. Cicilline and Police Chief Dean M. Esserman addressed an audience, many of whom were relatives of former Providence police officers who died in the past year. A list of those who died was read aloud.

The list included: William Carroll, Thomas Keune, Frederick Lennon, Charles Riley, James R. Wilson, Vincent D’Elia, Bruce M. Knight, Kenneth W. Pina, Arthur K. Sweeney, Leonard DeMagistris, Michael J. Lancellotti, Chester H. Rich and Ralph Vona.

A wreath was laid by Detective Sean Carroll and his brother Michael, sons of William Carroll.

Also read aloud was a list of Providence police officers who died in the line of duty: Detective Sgt. James L. Allen, Sgt. Cornel Young Jr., Sgt. Steven M. Shaw, Mounted Patrolman James P. Cavanaugh, Patrolman Thomas A. Mulvey, Patrolman John F. Brennan, Sgt. William A. Flynn, Patrolman James H. O’Brien, and Watchman William T. Pullan.

Among the dignitaries on hand were Rhode Island State Police Supt. Brendan Doherty; state police Maj. Joseph R. Miech, Warwick Police Chief Stephen McCartney, City Council President Peter S. Mancini and representatives of Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch.

Police Inspector Luis DelRio sang the national anthem and the Rev. Raymond Luft, a police chaplain and pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, recited a prayer.

The Peace Officer Memorial Service is held annually to coincide with National Police Week.