BROWNSVILLE — In a powerful display of respect for fallen police officers, every single law enforcement agency in Cameron County turned out yesdterday in front of the Cameron County courthouse to remind those now patrolling heaven that they can take it from here.
“We’re here because we want to commemorate the individuals who have lost their life in the line of duty,” Cameron County District Attorney Luis V. Saenz said.
Not only that, as Saenz said, the inaugural Peace Officers Memorial is a way to remind the families of those officers who have died in the line of duty that their sacrifice is not forgotten.
“We want to reassure those families their loved ones have not died in vain,” Saenz said.
So far in 2018, 55 officers have died in the line of duty with 28 of those deaths being firearm-related, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Three of those deaths have been in Texas.
The event also honored the hundred-plus officers at the memorial, and those patrolling the city streets and county roads of Cameron County and beyond.
“You have picked up the torch for those who have fallen,” Saenz said as a giant flag flew from a Brownsville Fire Department ladder truck No.141, which was parked outside the courthouse.
Bishop Daniel E. Flores of the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville opened the ceremony, praying for those officers who have died and for those families who have lost loved ones.
“Today, we gather as a community to remember those who have laid down their lives in the service of others,” Flores said.
He asked for blessings of hope for those families, eternal rest for those who have died, protection for those serving, and peace of mind for those who have served and retired.
Brownsville Police Department Chief Orlando Rodriguez implored public servants and regular citizens not to let the deaths of law enforcement officers be in vain.
“Let’s make sure we turn their sacrifices into something positive we learn from,” Rodriguez said.
Harlingen Police Chief Jeffry Adickes said after 30-plus decades in law enforcement, it’s difficult to find new words for families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.
“Even after the funeral, the family is still there with the loss,” Adickes said.
Texas Department of Public Safety Regional Director Joe Rodriguez said it’s important to remember those who have died every day.
“It takes a special kind of person to put on a uniform,” the DPS regional director said.
The ceremony concluded with the laying of a memorial wreath in front of the Texas and American flags in front of the courthouse.
As the Brownsville Fire Department’s Pipes and Drums played, Rodriguez and Adickes saluted, as all those gathered, remembered deceased officers from across the country while the Harlingen Police Department Honor Guard performed a three-volley salute.
After a moment of silence, the Pipes and Drums played Amazing Grace.
