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ALBANY, GA -- Ten officers have been killed in the history of Dougherty County. The sacrifices of those men and women were given special recognition Thursday afternoon.

On Thursday officers from across Dougherty County honor those who have lost their lives for Police Officers Week.

But this year's ceremony held special significance.

“We dedicated this one to Cliff Rouse because he is obviously the most recent. But this was to memorialize all ten of the officers that have died in the line of duty here,” said Dougherty County Police Chief Don Cheek.

It was also a day for families who got a chance to pay tribute to the heroes who died for public service, pinning a flower on reefs for each of the law enforcement agencies where they worked.

“The families suffered in this too. If you noticed with lieutenant Rouse's family, he has a son. He has a daughter as well and they will no longer have their father with them,” said Albany Police Chief John Proctor.

It's a risk bared by every officer who wears the uniform. It’s also an understanding you can only have if you've been one.

“This is a very unusual profession in the way that we have to live with each other. Depend on each other and we really do become close,” said Chief Cheek.

“No matter what uniform someone wears. If they are considered law enforcement. They are by your side and they come to support you,” said Proctor.

All of this in a time that is becoming increasingly more dangerous for the people wearing the badge.

Chief cheek: “The streets are getting mean. There is just now other way to describe it. Society needs to be alarmed when people will shoot police officers they will certainly shoot anyone else,” said Chief Cheek.

So far this year there have been 70 officers killed in the line of duty across the country. That number is up nine percent from last year.