For the 25th year, Austin Police Chief Paul Philipp will travel to the Capitol for Law Enforcement Memorial Day, which pays homage to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice while doing their job.

“It’s a moment to honor all law enforcement, but particularly those who died in the line of duty,” Philipp said. “It’s a pretty small tribute in the grand scheme of things … to go back every year to think about the officers and the families left behind.”

Philipp said more than 100 law enforcement officials and family members will attend the day’s ceremonies, which include an evening candlelight vigil and ecumenical mass. Philipp will be one of many to stand beside the law enforcement memorial located on the State Capitol grounds.

The chief will also meet long-time colleague Hennepin Sheriff Capt. Bill Chandler at the event. The two have both attended for 25 years, and have known each other since childhood.

Philipp said he continues to attend because of work he knows law enforcement does daily.

“The fact that I am immensely impressed by the commitment and sacrifice the officers are willing to make for the community,” Philipp said. The chief has attending between six and 10 funerals during the course of his career.

According to the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association, President John F. Kennedy Jr. declared the May 15 holiday in 1962. Since 1974, more than 200 officers have lost their lives while in the line of duty, according to its Web site.