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Fallen Officers Remembered At Wreath Laying Ceremonies Across Region

BENSALEM, Pa. (CBS) -- A group of volunteers is making sure police officers killed in the line of duty aren't forgotten this holiday season. The Fallen Heroes Wreath Program distributed hundreds of wreaths at the gravesites of fallen police officers across the Philadelphia region Saturday.

Family members of slain Philadelphia police officer John Pawlowski started the tradition two years ago. Officer Pawlowski was shot and killed in February 2009. Since then, the program has grown to include police officers from five surrounding counties. For some of the volunteers, it's an extremely personal experience.

"Detective Christopher Jones of Middletown Township Police Department was killed in the line of duty. I know the family really well so this really means a lot to me," said volunteer Michael Bidwell. "I have the opportunity of putting his wreath on his headstone today. I was in contact with his wife and she said it was okay. I'm honored to do this for his family and my family and to be a part of something so awesome."

Members of Detective Jones' family attended his wreath placing ceremony at Resurrection Cemetery in Bensalem. Similar ceremonies to honor fallen officers are being held in seven other states and Washington, D.C.

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