Mass. Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation Officially Kicked-off Campaign to Build Memorial to Fallen Officers State House Ceremony held with Governor A. Paul Cellucci and Police Survivors Over 150 police survivors, law enforcement officers and officials, and law enforcement supporters joined Governor A. Paul Cellucci and the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation (MLEMF) on Wednesday, March 15, 2000, to officially kickoff the campaign to build a lasting memorial to the over 260 Massachusetts law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Governor Cellucci pledged $250,000 to get the fundraising efforts underway. Rep. Paul Caron and a group of survivors stop to thank Governor Cellucci for his pledge. Artist renderings of the Memorial, which will be built in Ashburton Park at the State House, were revealed for the first time to the public and the media. A group of survivors showing an artist's rendering of the Memorial. "This was a wonderful day, and a truly fitting tribute to the officers of Massachusetts who have made the ultimate sacrifice," said Chief Paul Doherty, Executive Director of MLEMF. "We are very grateful for Governor Cellucci's generous support of this effort. This Memorial will provide a place for police survivors and supporters to reflect on the past, and look forward to the future." The Memorial groundbreaking is planned for May 2000, with a projected completion date of October 2000. The Memorial is a granite structure in the shape of a badge. A low wall with the names of fallen officers inscribed will surround it. The purpose of designing a wall low to the ground is to provide children, the elderly and disabled the ability to touch the names of their loved ones on the wall. There will also be an interactive computer screen that visitors can use to find photographs and short biographies on most of the officers listed on the Memorial. The MLEMF has a fundraising goal of one million dollars to cover building costs of the Memorial. Over $15,000 was raised on Sunday, 12 March 2000 at the Fourth Annual MLEMF Half-Marathon and 5K Road Race in Melrose, sponsored by Runner's Edge of Melrose. Over 3,000 runners participated in the race, with all proceeds going to benefit the Foundation. The State House Kickoff ceremony was hosted by Representative Paul E. Caron of Springfield, Fundraising Chair of MLEMF. Speakers included: Police Survivors, Jobeth DiNapoli, daughter of Holyoke Police Officer John DiNapoli; Cynthia Hurley, wife of Boston Police Officer Jeremiah Hurley; and Carol Perry, wife of State Police Sergeant Paul Perry; Governor Cellucci; Attorney General Thomas Reilly; Speaker of the House Thomas Finneran; Executive Secretary of Public Safety, Jane Perlov; Senator James Jajuga, Chairman of the Public Safety Committee; and MLEMF Executive Director Chief Paul Doherty. The a capella group Voices-N-Blue, comprised of Boston Police Officers, performed prior to the speaking program. More event photos… Carol Perry, a police survivor, speaks to the 200 in attendance.   Jobeth DiNapoli receives a standing ovation from the crowd after a moving testimony. Officer John DiNapoli of Holyoke will not be forgotten.   Cynthia Hurley, a police survivor and president of the MA chapter of COPS, shares a personal story. Voices-N-Blue, a police a cappella group, entertained at the event. Some of the many law enforcement officers in attendance salute the colors Governor Cellucci, Attorney General Reilly, and Executive Secretary Jane Perlov.