Texas police officers and firefighters who have died in the line of duty during the past year were honored at a memorial service and ceremony at 7 p.m. July 15 at the new Sachse Public Safety building. The event was sponsored by the city of Sachse and The Sachse News. The community was invited to attend.

 

The committee chairmen were Police Chief Dennis Veach, Fire Chief Doug Kendrick and Director of Library Services Dolores Greenwald.

 

Veach said the ceremony brought together all segments of the public safety community. 

 

He recognized Betty O’Bryant, Lt. Marty Cassidy and Lt. Steve Norris, Officers Richard Oliver and Chris Holland, Project Coordinator Denise Vice and Wylie Fire-Rescue.

 

“I especially want to thank the Sachse News for once again being our partner,” Veach said. “I continue to be impressed by their commitment to our community.”

 

He also thanked the Garland Police Honor Guard, and the Plano Fire Color Guard, Boy Scout 442 and the Pipe and Drum Corps.

 

Mayor Mike Felix read a proclamation honoring the memorial.

 

“I am so proud to be here today honoring these who gave up their lives to keep us safe,” he said. 

 

Veach said the intent of holding the memorial was to allow the community to reflect and remember the stunning loss that this has been for the families, friends and co-workers of the officers and firefighters.

 

After the speeches, children of various police officers and firefighters read a brief statement about each of the honored and placed a photo of the officer or fireman along with a yellow Texas rose on an empty chair. 

 

At the end of the ceremony all eyes followed the bagpiper playing “Amazing Grace” as he walked into the distance.

 

“I would like to thank Chief Veach and Chief Kendrick for the hours worked to make this memorial service possible,” City Manager Allen Barnes said. “This service honors the brave souls who lost their lives answering the noble call of making the world a safer place for you and me.”

 

Barnes noted that the fallen police and firefighters went to work one day and did not come home.

 

“Having been a full-time police officer for over 20 years, I know the bond that exists between the police and firefighters,” he said. “The bond is so close that we refer to each other as partners. When a department loses an officer it has a lasting impact and things are never the same.”

 

Kendrick said he was proud to be part of the service that recognized the fallen heroes.

 

“It was so beautiful to watch ‘Old Glory’ flying from the Sachse and Wylie fire trucks,” he said. “In the line of duty our goal is never forget anyone and make sure everyone goes home. I am proud to stand here and say that those fallen policemen, firefighters as well as all our uniformed servicemen were some of the best tactical and rescuers in the world. They are all my heroes.”

 

Felix said public safety officers strive to make our cities a safe place to live.

 

“These heroes put their lives on the line for strangers,” Felix said. “I think it was fitting to have a day to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The service was a time to pause and remember those who lost their lives while serving our community and this nation.”

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