Remembering the fallen: Local police departments pay homage to lost officers

As the summer sun shone brightly last Tuesday morning, 19 officers from four local police departments stood at attention, representing four fallen officers from local departments and 15 from around the state. The crowd gathered to respect, honor and remember the deceased officers as part of the annual Metrocrest Law Enforcement Memorial Service.

The Addison, Carrollton, Coppell, and Farmers Branch Police Departments joined the ceremony last week as part of the 20th anniversary of National Police Memorial week. According to preliminary statistics released by the FBI, 72 law enforcement officers were feloniously killed in the line of duty in 2011. On average, a law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty every 53 hours.

The ceremony was led by Farmers Branch Police Chief Sid Fuller, who was joined by Carrollton Police Chief Rex Redden, Coppell Police Chief Mac Tristan and Addison Police Chief Ron Davis. Following the posting of colors and singing of the national anthem, Farmers Branch Mayor Bill Glancy reminded guests of the importance of supporting local police and fire departments, as well as all persons involved in protecting residents.

"Being a police officer today is obviously one of the most difficult jobs or occupations that you can have," Glancy said. "In a country where we are ultimately concerned with everybody's own individual rights and civil liberties, they have to make a judgment in every action that they take. When their rights are violated this is what we end up coming to honor -- their sacrifice to our cities, states and country."

Carrollton Police Chief Rex Redden said the service is a small demonstration and recognition for the officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service for their country and community.

"Policing remains a dangerous profession and threats can come not only from violence towards the officers, but also in the risks of the profession which includes car and other types of accidents," he said. "We stop and reflect on the sacrifices of these officers, pay tribute to their service and respect to their families."

Redden said law enforcement officers, and all first responders, are no different than anyone else.

"They have families, dreams and responsibilities," he said. "They face the challenges of life just like everyone else does. But in addition they also face the unknown challenge of potentially being involved in a deadly situation nearly daily. They and their families never know if they will come home at the end of their shift. The families are left behind, just like military families, to pick up and carry on. We reflect annually on this sacrifice so they and their families will know that we will never forget what they have done for all of us. The first responders do this out of a sense of service to their community. They certainly don't do it for the pay or the glory."

Coppell Police Chief Mac Tristan said National Police Memorial week is a time to remember those officers that have lost their lives while in the performance of their duties.

"The Coppell Police Department joined the police departments from Carrollton, Addison and Farmers Branch to remember the officers from our own departments that have paid the ultimate price in the service of their communities as well as all peace officers in Texas that died in the performance of their duties in 2011," he said. "Policing is truly a noble profession. It is important that we pay tribute to these officers and honor them for their courage and service. It was an honor for the men and women of the Coppell Police Department to participate in this ceremony."

Congressman Kenny Marchant, who formerly served as a Carrollton councilmember and mayor, spoke of the significance of accepting the duties of a police officer.

"We must give thanks to them -- and the entire law enforcement family -- for their selfless actions in keeping our communities safe," Marchant said. "National Police Week is a time for us all to come together and understand the important role these officers do in protecting the freedoms of our communities."

Marchant said it is time for residents to reflect and understand the duties, responsibilities and sacrifices of law enforcement officers, who provide a vital service daily by risking their lives to protect the community.

"These men and women who serve with one another are a family," he said. "When a fellow officer falls in the line of duty, they do not lose a colleague but a brother or a sister. These brothers or sisters may have had different badges, taken different oaths or had different departments they represented but their valor in the line of duty is what binds them together. Everyday officers put themselves in harms way to protect the citizens and families they serve. They are a continuous barrier between lawlessness and peace."

A representative from Senator John Cornyn's office read an official statement, which stated every day officers risk life and limb to protect the citizens of North Texas. "To do so takes courage, fortitude and self-sacrifice. It is a pleasure to represent you in the United States Senate," the statement read.

The ceremony closed with the rendering of honors, the signing of "God Bless America," by the Bill G Band and the retiring of colors.

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