AUSTIN – Gov. Greg Abbott Sunday recognized the brave men and women of law enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the line of duty and their families at the Texas Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony at the Texas Capitol in Austin.
The annual ceremony recognizes law enforcement personnel who lost their lives in service to their state and their communities.
The Governor awarded the Texas Medal of Honor to a family member of each of the 37 officers who were recognized at the ceremony. “This Peace Officer Memorial is far more than just a granite monument. It is an eternal reminder of the unsung Texas heroes taken too soon,” Abbott said. “In Texas, we support our law enforcement officers, especially those whose bravery and valor led to the ultimate sacrifice.”
The Governor was joined at the ceremony by state Sens. Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury) and Sen. Pete Flores (R-Belton), state Reps. Donna Howard (D-Austin), Ellen Troxclair (R-Lakeway) and Frederick Frazier (R-McKinney), Marvin Ryals, Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas president, Chris CeBallos, the Texas Municipal Police Association president, Karla Pruneda, the Texas Fraternal Order of Police president, and other law enforcement officers and family members.
“It is easy to forget that this land we stand on was once the Wild West. Peace officers who serve today follow the same rich tradition of famous Texas lawmen who helped tame the Wild West,” Abbott remarked.
“As we all well know, there are still dangers, and it still takes brave men and women to face those dangers every day. Without their hard work and dedication, justice would go undone. We are eternally grateful for the valor of those heroes who face danger, fight for justice, and keep Texas safe,” he added.
Gov. Greg Abbott, right, and state dignitaries participate in Sunday’s Texas Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony at the Texas Capitol in Austin. Courtesy photo
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