The names of fallen sheriff’s deputies read aloud were a reason to shed a tear and stand with pride for their bravery.
El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte invited members of the public, law enforcement and families of fallen officers to attend the 8th Annual El Paso County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony.
On Tuesday, the sheriff’s office honored deputies and constables killed in the line of duty in a program complete with the laying of a memorial wreath by Ugarte at sheriff headquarters. Those in attendance also witnessed a helicopter flyover, a 21-gun salute, and a rendition of “Amazing Grace” by the El Paso Firefighters Pipes and Drums.
“We carry their names, their stories and their spirit in everything we do. Let us never forget their sacrifice and strive every day to be worthy of their example,” Ugarte said prior to personally greeting family members of fallen deputies.
Names of officers killed in the line of duty as far back as the 1800s and as recently as the 2000s were read aloud with the call to “never forget their names.”
El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego echoed those sentiments noting a career in law enforcement is a unique calling.
“It’s an honor to see all those here in uniform knowing the level of protection the (public) receives because of every one of you. There was always the idea that law enforcement was such an honorable profession,” Samaniego said.
Families of fallen officers were given blue roses when the names of their loved ones were called, and they were later greeted by Ugarte and his staff at the conclusion of the ceremony. The El Paso County Law Enforcement Memorial Wall adorns the front of the sheriff’s headquarters, which includes the names of fallen county officers.
Kristian Jaime is the Top Story Reporter for the El Paso Times and is reachable at Kjaime@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Fallen El Paso County sheriff deputies, constables remembered in annual memorial ceremony
Reporting by Kristian Jaime, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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