Law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty were honored Thursday as part of Peace Officers Memorial Day, which included a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
U.S. flags in Texas and throughout the nation have been lowered to half-staff this week as part of National Police Week, created to honor law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty.
In Rockwall County, law enforcement officers gathered Thursday to honor the memory of fallen officers during a solemn Police Memorial Service at Rest Haven Funeral Home.
The morning ceremony was organized to recognize and the local Texas law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty since the county’s last memorial gathering.
The county’s annual tradition was created to serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who wear the badge, organizers with the Fraternal Order of Police said.
Police officers from throughout the U.S. also traveled to D.C. to mark the week.
The Dallas Police Department had officers in Washington, D.C., this week for memorial services honoring the fallen, including a Tuesday night candlelight vigil and a Thursday service in front of the U.S. Capitol that featured remarks by Vice President JD Vance.
Dallas police Chief Daniel Comeaux attended the evening vigil, which he described as powerful and emotional.
“It always makes us the fallen officers and how important they are to us as a team,” Comeaux said. “And not only just the ones in our department but the ones throughout the entire United States.”
Among those honored this week was Dallas police Officer Darron Burks, 46, who was fatally shot the night of Aug. 29, 2024.
Burks was parked in his patrol vehicle outside the For Oak Cliff community center when a gunman approached from the driver’s side window, raised a handgun and fired.
Those who knew Burks said he would be ed for his humility and selflessness.
Comeaux assumed the role as the city’s top cop just last month, but said he has heard many stories about Burks’ dedication to Dallas and keeping people safe.
“He was young and he was ionate about the job and he really wanted to serve the community so it’s very unfortunate, but he will live on through us and we will continue to take care of his family,” Comeaux said.
He said he spoke with Burks’ mother, Cherie Jeffery, at the vigil.
“The biggest thing is so that the family understands that they will always be a part of the Dallas Police Department,” he said.
Officers from across Rockwall County stood in solidarity to honor their colleagues who gave their lives in service to their communities.
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation that designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as National Police Week. Tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington to participate in a number of planned events that honor those who have died in the line of duty.
National Police Week draws 25,000 to 40,000 attendees from departments throughout the United States as well as from agencies throughout the world.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
