TOPEKA, Kan.(WIBW)-- Law enforcement officers from around the state gathered Thursday night to honor their fallen colleagues.

The Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary sponsored the 17th annual Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial Candlelight Vigil at the Statehouse.

It was especially emotional for the Atchison Community who lost one of their own last December. Sgt. David Enzbrenner was shot and killed the afternoon of December 9, 2011. He was assisting code enforcement officers, when his assailant walked up and shot him. The assailant then shot and killed himself. Enzbrenner was a 24-year veteran of the Atchison Police Department.

Several members of the Atchison Police Department attended Thursday's vigil, including Chief Mike Wilson. He said every day since Enzbrenner's death has been a day of grieving. However, he said officers took comfort in coming to the memorial, where they knew their brothers and sisters in law enforcement shared their grief.

Enzbrenner's name will be added to the state's memorial to fallen officers during a ceremony Friday at the Statehouse. Gov. Sam Brownback and Attorney General Derek Schmidt will take part in the event which begins at noon.

In addition, Brownback has ordered flags lowered to half staff Friday to honor all fallen law enforcement officers.