Dozens remember Missouri fallen officers in candlelight vigil

Dozens of family and friends remembered Missouri law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty last year.

Three law enforcement officers were honored during an emotional candlelight vigil next to the state capitol Friday night, including Trooper James Bava.

It has been nearly nine months since Bava was killed in the line of duty in Audrain County. It happened after Bava’s patrol car crashed and caught on fire while chasing a motorcyclist for speeding.

Trooper Bava’s mother Alyce Bava told ABC 17 News she and her family could not have gotten through this difficult time without the overwhelming support of the law enforcement community.

“The love and the support and the honor for our son is great,” she said. “And we are so appreciative of this.”

Sgt. Peggy Vassallo was also killed on duty last August in North St. Louis County when she was hit by a car while checking on another driver. Deputy Steven “Brett” Hawkins died of a heart attack after a large police search while on duty in Harrison County.

In 2014, 51 law enforcement officers nationwide were killed in the line of duty as a result of criminal activity, according to the FBI. That number includes 10 officers who were conducting traffic stops or involved in car chases like Trooper Bava.

Another 44 officers were accidentally killed in the line of duty. Car crashes resulted in more than half of those deaths.

The FBI had not yet released 2015 numbers.

Gov. Nixon will speak at a memorial service honoring the fallen law enforcement officers at 10:00 Saturday morning at the state capitol.