In a solemn gathering at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) headquarters in Austin, Governor Greg Abbott paid tribute to the valor of DPS troopers and Texas Rangers who lost their lives while serving, marking the annual Peace Officers Memorial Service, according to Office of the Texas Governor official statement.
The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in law enforcement, with Abbott commenting on the often unseen burdens shouldered by officers, "They do it with a badge on their chest and a pledge in their heart to protect and serve," he stated, emphasizing the gravity of their oath and the stark realities tied to such a noble yet perilous profession, Abbott stressed the essential role played by such officers who, by their sacrifice, enable others to experience safety and peace.
The memorial was not short on esteemed attendance, among them, Public Safety Commission Chairman Steven P. Mach, and DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin, as well as the families mourning their loved ones like Trooper Kevin Ramirez Vasquez who was killed in the line of duty the previous September, their collective presence only gave further weight to the observance and the legacy left by the fallen.
Colonel Martin reinforced the profound impact of the service, stating that it serves to underscore the reasons behind the badge, the rigorous training, and the ever-present reality that tomorrow is never guaranteed, “Not only do we honor the fallen at today’s service, but we thank their families for all they sacrificed along the way—and we remind them that their heroes will never be forgotten,” he told those gathered, echoing a sentiment of enduring gratitude and remembrance for both the fallen officers and their families who have paid a steep and irreversible toll.
The previous year marked the unveiling of the new Fallen Officers Memorial at the DPS headquarters, an event that also saw Governor Abbott's participation, symbolizing the ongoing commitment of Texas to acknowledge and enshrine the heroism of its peace officers.
