WATERLOO - A Waterloo city councilman asked residents to think about honor and sacrifice as they remember law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.

"This week is about shining a light on the sacrifices of those that have fallen in the line of duty," Quentin Hart said during Police Memorial Day ceremonies outside Veterans Memorial Hall on Thursday.

"Because of their sacrifices yesterday, many are able to stand today," he said.

Hart, associate director of multicultural affairs at Hawkeye Community College, called on residents to stand together without geographic or racial boundaries to honor the 11 area peace officers who died on the job over the years.

"This offering, this mission, this cause, is reflected in the lives of our great peace officers that have dedicated their lives to serving and protecting our community by upholding the essence of the true Constitution," Hart said.

The ceremony included a traditional three-rifle volley while students from West High School sounded taps on bugles. A bagpiper played "Amazing Grace," and singers from Lis March Vocal Academy performed "The Star-Spangled Banner."

According to the FBI, fewer officers were killed in the line of duty in 2008 than a year earlier.

In 2008, 108 officers died on the job nationwide. Of those, 67 died as the result of accidents, and 41 were killed feloniously, according to the FBI numbers.

Of the felonious deaths, 10 happened during arrest situations, eight died during traffic stops or chases, seven died in tactical situations, six of the deaths came while investigating suspicious people or activities, six were ambushed, two officers were involved in investigative activities. The remaining deaths occurred during a disturbance call and while handling a prisoner.

In 2007, 141 died - - 83 by accident and 53 as the result of a crime.

Since 1869, 141 Iowa officers have perished on duty. No officers from Iowa died in the line of duty in 2008, according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety. The most recent was in 2007 in Des Moines.