Police officers families legislators and supporters from across the state of Texas gathered yesterday on the Texas Capitol steps during the Texas Peace Officers Memorial in remembrance of Texas fallen police officers who were killed in the last two years in the line of duty.
A procession down Congress Avenue of bicycle officers and motor units were led by the Honor Guard and Pipe and Drum Corps.
Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst addressed attendees.
I am always overwhelmed when I see that American flag and when I hear the national anthem" said Dewhurst I realize that we all have our differences and we all have differences of opinion but we come together in honoring the values here in America & literally that thin line that protects us all & keeps us free."
Dewhurst quoted John 15:13 Greater love has no man than this that he lay down his life for a friend" and reminded those in attendance not to take law enforcement officers for granted because our freedom is not free; to protect our life and our liberty there has to be sacrifices."
Guest speaker was Amanda Hurst surviving spouse of Game Warden James P. Hurst. Hurst encouraged other families who had experienced similar loss that their presence at the capitol showed their courage to not be victims but victors.
State Representative Tommy Merritt of Longview newly appointed chair of the House Committee of Public Safety and Senator John Whitmire chair of the Committee of Criminal Justice presented medals of valor and memorial resolutions to the families of deceased peace enforcement officers.
The Texas Peace Officers Memorial Fund hosts the event every two years as a movement to keep alive the memory of Texas law enforcement officers who have died while serving and defending their communities.
A total of 1785 officers have fallen in the line of duty in Texas and yesterday the Texas Peace Officers Memorial Fund added 36 names to that list.
There have been 20 fallen officers in Austin Police Department history and APD said the memorial aims to acknowledge the heroism and sacrifice Texas officers demonstrate each day.
Police officers families legislators and supporters from across the state of Texas gathered yesterday on the Texas Capitol steps during the Texas Peace Officers Memorial in remembrance of Texas fallen police officers who were killed in the last two years in the line of duty.
A procession down Congress Avenue of bicycle officers and motor units were led by the Honor Guard and Pipe and Drum Corps.
Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst addressed attendees.
I am always overwhelmed when I see that American flag and when I hear the national anthem" said Dewhurst I realize that we all have our differences and we all have differences of opinion but we come together in honoring the values here in America & literally that thin line that protects us all & keeps us free."
Dewhurst quoted John 15:13 Greater love has no man than this that he lay down his life for a friend" and reminded those in attendance not to take law enforcement officers for granted because our freedom is not free; to protect our life and our liberty there has to be sacrifices."
Guest speaker was Amanda Hurst surviving spouse of Game Warden James P. Hurst. Hurst encouraged other families who had experienced similar loss that their presence at the capitol showed their courage to not be victims but victors.
State Representative Tommy Merritt of Longview newly appointed chair of the House Committee of Public Safety and Senator John Whitmire chair of the Committee of Criminal Justice presented medals of valor and memorial resolutions to the families of deceased peace enforcement officers.
The Texas Peace Officers Memorial Fund hosts the event every two years as a movement to keep alive the memory of Texas law enforcement officers who have died while serving and defending their communities.
A total of 1785 officers have fallen in the line of duty in Texas and yesterday the Texas Peace Officers Memorial Fund added 36 names to that list.
There have been 20 fallen officers in Austin Police Department history and APD said the memorial aims to acknowledge the heroism and sacrifice Texas officers demonstrate each day.
