Communities across the country are remembering police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Stamford held its annual remembrance ceremony outside police headquarters.

“These fallen heroes," said Commissioner Ronnell Higgins, of the Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection. "Are a part of the fabric that stitches this diverse state together."

The city has held this ceremony annually since 2005.

It began as a tribute to four Stamford officers who died in the line of duty between 1938 and 1970.

Over the years, the somber tradition has grown to include departments from across Fairfield County and the rest of the state.

"I started my career on April 25, 1988," Stamford Police Chief Tim Shaw says. "Since that time, we have lost 30 officers in Connecticut in the line of duty."

Names of fallen officers from the departments in attendance were read aloud.

“We all wear different patches, but we serve one role," says Commissioner Higgins. "And that is to keep Connecticut safe."