The Southern Tier has lost a number of police officers in the line of duty over the years. On Monday, those officers were honored during a special remembrance ceremony at Binghamton University. Our Melissa Kakareka takes us to the ceremony where the memory of those officers was very much alive.

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VESTAL, N.Y. -- Port Dicksinon Police Officer Aldo Rossi lost his life in 2008 when he was hit by a drunk driver while on duty.

"As a wife, I honestly never thought that he wouldn't come home. I don't know if it's just something you don't want to comprehend or can't, the dangers of the job," said his wife Renee Rossi.

Several Southern Tier Law Enforcement Agencies gathered at Binghamton University Monday for a ceremony honoring Rossi and countless other police officers who have given their lives in the line of duty.

"It's very devastating to know that one of your officers was killed in the line of duty and what caused it, what could have been done to prevent it," said Broome County Sheriff David Harder.

The memorial service featured speeches from several local leaders as well as the raising of the police memorial flag and music from the Edward P. Maloney Memorial Pipe Band.

During the ceremony, officers from departments across the region placed roses in front of a memorial to honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

"The public should realize, they think once in a while it might happen, but they should look at the list over there of those who have protected them, who have given their lives help them out," said Harder.

Reminding the public of everything that police officers and their families sacrifice to keep people safe.

"A lot of people don't see beyond the uniform. They think we are just people out writing tickets or something like that. We are family members, we are parents, daughters, brothers and sons, we are people's grandparents even," said NYS University Police Lieutenant Madeline Bay.

"They love to protect the community. It's just a different type of person who can do that job, a true hero," said Rossi.

And this day helps make sure those sacrifices are never forgotten.

The memorial service was one of many events taking place in honor of slain officers this week.

Police Week continues on Tuesday with a memorial breakfast at the Owego Treadway.