Memorial Set Up For Dallas Officer Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - A memorial was set up for a Dallas police officer who was killed Saturday morning when he was struck by a suspected drunk driver while on his motorcycle.
At the memorial, there are heartfelt notes, flowers, balloons and a motorcycle on display to remember Senior Cpl. Earl "Jamie" Givens. Some officers were seen stopping at the memorial to remember and reflect.
Givens was killed when he was struck by a driver while he was on his motorcycle and was blocking roads for a funeral escort Saturday morning. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
He was a 32-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department and leaves behind two sons.
Givens was dedicated to the Assist the Officer Foundation, raising money for officers and their families who need it. A fund was set up for the family of Givens.
When Courtney Helms heard about Givens' death, she was stunned. "My husband is stationed here at Central. He's kind of known the corporal through being at the station," she said.
Helms said being an officer's wife hasn't made memorials like Given's any easier.
"We all signed up for it. But I guess, when something like this happens, it kind of brings those emotions to the forefront and shakes us a little," said Helms.
When asked about what she knew about Givens, she said, "He was always a very friendly guy. Always the center of any story or interaction that was going on. Kept people laughing, kept the morale up at the station."
On Sunday, Helms and her husband, Branden, visited the memorial with their sons.
"I think it's really touching to see the community support and see people coming out, sharing what their impact is with these officers," said Helms.
Adrian Breedlove, 25, was arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter. He has since bonded out of jail.