By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–The Helena Cumberland Presbyterian Church is heavily involved in the Helena community whether it be through events, fundraisers or in this case, showing support of law enforcement officials.

HCPC recently displayed a wooden monument outside of the church that depicts an officer in uniform kneeling, with his hat in hand, paying his respects at the gravesite of a fellow fallen police officer.

The display has gained positive attention throughout the Helena community recently as it can be seen during the day, as well as at night when it is lit up with a spotlight.

HCPC church member and event organizer Philicia Danner said the idea for the monument came when they found out the theme for the annual Helena Christmas Parade.

“When we found out the theme for the Christmas parade was ‘We’ll Have a Blue Christmas’ to honor fallen police officers, we started thinking of a way to honor them and have a display on our float,” said Danner. “A member of our church named Gerald Cossman constructed the monument as well as the nativity scene on our float and did a great job.”

After the conclusion of the parade, Danner and other church members did not want to throw the monument away, so they opted to put it up in the front of the church.

“We didn’t want to throw it away so we decided to display it at the front of the church,” said Danner. “We just thought it would be a great way to continue to honor those fallen police officers and current law enforcement officials.”

The monument can be seen at Helena Cumberland Presbyterian Church located at 3396 Helena Road.