16-05-2025
Central Texas Law Enforcement Honor Fallen Officers
Central Texas (FOX 44) — Both the Waco and Killeen Police Departments hosted this year's Police Officer Memorial Ceremonies in honor of Central Texas officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities last year.
'As officers, we take an oath to serve our communities, and we take that very seriously. Unfortunately, sometimes we lose our lives, but that's what we're here to do. We have to make sure our community is safe, and sometimes it takes a lot of sacrifice, in some cases, self-sacrifice,' said Chief Pete Lopez, with the Killeen Police Department.
Earlier this week, Chief Lopez attended a candlelight vigil in Washington, D.C. to honor fallen officers across the nation.
'We lost about 345 officers nationwide, and I was one of the VIP's who was able to participate in that ceremony. Each officer had their name spoken, that way we know as a nation their names and the day they died so we can memorialize them forever,' he said.
That sacrifice extends beyond the badge to the families left behind. Not only did both police departments honor their fallen brothers and sisters in uniform, but they honored those officers' families as well.
'We never forget the sacrifices that they made and that we never forget the families who also made sacrifices, not just when their loved one was here, but when their loved one's lives were lost,' said Chief Sherly Victorian with the Waco Police Department.
The ceremonies included a 21-gun salute, the reading of names of fallen officers, tributes through music, and more — all serving as reminders that their service will never be forgotten.
'They will always be a part of our family, and that we will always honor their loved one's memory,' Chief Victorian added.
These ceremonies were a part of the National Police Week, where communities across the country and Central Texas stand united in gratitude, vowing to remember the fallen and to support those who carry their legacy forward.
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