Police Unveil Memorial In Honor Of 5 Dallas Officers Who Died In July 2016 Ambush
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - On the third anniversary of the deadly attack on the city of Dallas, five officers who lost their lives are being honored so that they may never be forgotten.
A sculpture was unveiled Monday morning to memorialize Dallas police officers Lorne Ahrens, Michael Krol, Michael Smith and Patrick Zamarripa, and DART officer Brent Thompson.
"It is difficult...as a daughter of a fallen officer, you never get over it," shared Dallas Police Chief U. Renee Hall. "It's something you learn to live with... and I believe that always keeping them close, and always reminding them of how much we love and honor and respect their sacrifice, continues to give them peace and comfort."
After the remarks, the monument was unveiled. #RememberTheFallen5 pic.twitter.com/k5h4Y2XmRI
— Dallas Police Dept (@DallasPD) July 8, 2019
The five officers were killed on July 7, 2016 during a peaceful protest against police brutality in downtown Dallas.
"In a matter of three minutes, I lost 80% of my squad, out of injury or death" said Sgt. Ivan Gunter, from DPD's Southwest Patrol Division. "Families lost fathers, brothers, and husbands, we can't replace that. This was devastating. There's not a day that goes by that we don't think about it... cry about it. The wives, the children, they need our prayers. They need our support."
The memorial was set up at Dallas police headquarters and was created by local sculptor Barvo Walker.
"It's nice that it's out in front of the building so the officers can see it every day," said Detective Katrina Ahrens, officer Lorne Ahrens' widow. Still. "I definitely don't need a memorial every day to remember all the officers or my husband... I see his face every day, everywhere I go and especially every day at work. He was really proud to be a police officer. And I am really proud that I was his wife."
God Bless you, God Bless their memories, and God Bless the Dallas Police Department and the city of Dallas. #RememberTheFallen5 #7/7 pic.twitter.com/nlwz46Lqn2
— Reneé Hall (@UReneeHall) July 8, 2019
Dallas officers along with Mayor Eric Johnson and Rep. Colin Allred were in attendance during the ceremony.
DART Officer Brent Thompson's parents were also there. They too had great things to say about how the city has supported them during the tragedy... calling Dallas a "great city."
"The way that Dallas has responded not only to Dallas but, to us an extended family," said Sam Thompson, "We thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
FOR MORE ON THE THIRD ANNIVERSARY: Pieces Of Art To Honor The 5 Fallen Officers Of Dallas' July 7 Ambush Attack
Father Of Officer Killed In Dallas Ambush Reflects On 3rd Anniversary