LUCEDALE, Miss. (AP) - George County leaders and residents gathered at the courthouse Thursday to honor two sheriffs who were killed in the line of duty and to unveil a new Fallen Officers Memorial.

At the southeast corner of the courthouse, the memorial consists of an 800-square-foot courtyard with a large, concrete sheriff's star and two bronze plaques to honor Sheriff John Elbert Nelson, who died Dec. 21, 1948, and Sheriff Garry Marshal Welford, who was killed July 21, 2010.

The Mississippi Press reports (http://bit.ly/Szf8i2 ) the Fallen Officers Memorial was organized after Welford's death to honor all local officers who have died in the line of duty.

Supervisor Henry Cochran said the memorial is meant to honor the memories of "two great men" and the sacrifice of their families.

Information from: The Mississippi Press, http://www.gulflive.com

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