More than 14 years after Athens police Sgt. Larry Russell and Officer Tony Mims were shot and killed while responding to a call of a mentally ill man with a gun, the pain of that day still resonates through the department.

Reading off the End of Watch names at Thursday’s annual Athens police memorial observance, an emotional Lt. Chris Slaton paused when describing what happened to Mims and Russell on Jan. 2, 2004.

“I have a lot of fond memories of law enforcement, but also some of my saddest times were here in Athens,” said Athens City Councilman Wayne Harper, who was police chief when Russell and Mims were killed. “During those times, our department came together and supported each other. All the city employees and the community came together and supported us during those times, and it was a wonderful thing. I think about those guys a lot and miss them.”

Rain forced the memorial into the foyer at Athens City Hall. It’s normally held at the Limestone County Courthouse at the police memorial. The courthouse was set to be lighted in blue Thursday night as a tribute to law enforcement officers.

Holly Hollman, the city’s grand coordinator and communications specialist, said many of those who walk or drive through Athens probably never give much thought to the nine names on the police memorial.

“They reached the end of their watch, but may we never reach the end of our desire to pay tribute to the sacrifice they made to the citizens of Athens and Limestone County,” she said.

Others who spoke praised the city’s officers for the sacrifices they make each day. Limestone County Commission Chairman Mark Yarbrough said he had “no idea” what officers did until he was elected chairman and had a police radio installed in his truck.

“There’s a domestic violence (call) and this person has a gun and it’s a dangerous situation and all you hear is an officer saying, ‘I’m there,’ or ‘I’m on the way,’” he said. “There’s always another officer who says, ‘I’m closer, I’ll be there.’ It’s a brotherhood and sisterhood that’s so unselfish.”

Councilman Joseph Cannon, a former reserve police officer, said he will occasionally go on ride-alongs with third-shift officers.

“They amaze me,” he said. “They’re braver than I would be in a lot of situations.”

Councilman Frank Travis paid tribute to officers with a poem.

“They keep our community safe so our kids and our kids’ kids can have a safe place to live,” he said. “We appreciate that so much.”

Police Chief Floyd Johnson thanked those who attended, but especially the family members of his officers. He said it’s not uncommon for officers to have holidays like Christmas or Valentine’s a day early or late because of their schedules.

“They go out and work for the community and try to keep everyone safe,” he said. “They do all the little simple things people take for granted.”