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The Dallas Police Department, alongside several families, gathered to pay tribute to officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the city. Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia emphasized the enduring impact of an officer’s death on both the department and the community.
Command staff, families, and city leaders walked together towards the Dallas Police Department’s memorial site to honor fallen officers. The ceremony included solemn rituals such as taps, a 21-gun salute, and a flyover by the Dallas Police helicopter. A significant part of the event was the ‘roll call of honor,’ during which the names of 93 Dallas police officers who have died in the line of duty since 1892 were read aloud.
This year, thankfully, no new names were added to the memorial, but the dangers faced by officers persist. Chief Garcia acknowledged the ongoing risks officers encounter, including instances of being shot or injured on duty.
The tragedy of losing an officer was deeply felt by Tim Penton, whose son, Officer Mitchell Penton, was struck and killed by a drunk driver while directing traffic after an accident in February 2021. Penton’s family finds solace in the shared experience of grief among other families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.
Valerie Zamarripa, the mother of Dallas Police Officer Patrick Zamarripa, who was killed in the 2016 ambush, expressed the ongoing pain of losing her son. Despite the passage of time, the pain remains fresh, but she finds support through organizations like Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.).
The annual Dallas Police Memorial Service, held close to May 15th, is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers. This date coincides with Peace Officers Memorial Day, established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, and is part of National Police Week, dedicated to honoring and supporting police officers and their families. Chief Garcia emphasized the humanity of officers and the importance of honoring their service and sacrifice.