El Dorado, Kan. - It was a day for remembering those killed in the line of duty, but also a day to be thankful this year for local law enforcement. Officers, family members and community members gathered Thursday for the 10th Annual Butler County Law Enforcement Memorial Service. While a day to remember those who have died - 138 across the United States since May 15, 2007 - no officers were killed in Kansas in the past year. “Today we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for each of us,” prayed Rev. Ron Peak, from Trinity Episcopal Church. “We pray, dear Lord, you have accepted them into your kingdom.” To open the ceremony a small candle was lit from a larger one. “The large candle is for members of all law enforcement killed prior to May 15, 2007,” said Frank Kratzer, with the El Dorado Police Department. The smaller candle lit was for all officers in the U.S. killed since that day, with another smaller candle left unlit since no Kansas officers were killed. “We are very fortunate we have not lost a single officer in Kansas since our last meeting on May 15, 2007,” Kratzer said, “so that candle will not be lit.” Sheriff Craig Murphy also remembered those lost. “It matters not what their task was, only that they paid the ultimate price,” he said. He also asked people to remember their families as well. The guest speaker for the event was SAC Rod Page, with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. “As a youngster I had the opportunity to grow up around a lot of good officers,” he said. “As a young man, I was given the opportunity to live out that dream.” He asked the officers how many times they have received a call to an unknown situation. According to Page, “2007 was one of our highest loss counts for officers. Kansas was fortunate.” He said he has seen a lot of young people stepping up to be a part of that “thin blue line.” Page recounted the ideals they live by: service, integrity, dedication, honor and duty. He said law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard. “We work for those who can’t speak and those who can’t defend themselves,” Page said. “In my 29 years in law enforcement, I’ve lost a number of friends. Today we honor the lives of our friends and colleagues. We honor them by working through [their loss] and living life.” To conclude the service, the policeman’s prayer was recited and a memorial wreath was placed at the front of the room. Following that a 21-gun salute and Taps were heard. “I just want us all to take a moment to think about the impact on those officers’ lives when they don’t come home,” Kratzer said.