Police Officer Henry P. Kounse, an East Peoria officer who died in the line of duty 91 years ago, will be honored during the annual East Peoria Police Memorial Ceremony at 1 p.m. Monday, May 16 in front of the East Peoria Police Department, 201 W Washington Street.
Officer Kounse is the only East Peoria officer killed in the line of duty. His end of watch occurred Feb. 10, 1931. He was a third-year patrolman and only 40 years old at the time of his death, which happened when he was shot while trying to apprehend a felony suspect. Officer Kounse was survived by his wife.
The ceremony is open to the public and will feature live music, tributes to Officer Kounse and a wreath-laying ceremony.
The event will also include an honor guard detail, and East Peoria Officer Karson Klyber will walk with it during the ceremony. Klyber suffered a very serious spine injury while on duty in December 2021.
The ceremony will be followed by the presentation of East Peoria Police officer awards.
The ceremony occurs during National Police Week.