MAY 2, 2012

AHPA to Honor 28 DPS Officers Killed in Line of Duty with Memorial Ceremony

Annual event will take place on Monday, May 7th

PHOENIX – The men and women of the Arizona Highway Patrol Association (AHPA) will pay their respects to the 28 Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers who have been killed in the line of duty. The Annual DPS Fallen Officer Memorial Ceremony is scheduled for Monday, May 7 at 9 a.m.

This annual memorial, that arrives one week before the nationally recognized Police Memorial Week, not only honors the officers, but also the sacrifices of their families. This ceremony is a solemn reminder of the dangers DPS officers face every day as they protect and serve the State of Arizona.

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), Arizona has lost 246 officers since its statehood.  Trends show most law enforcement deaths occurred primarily from gunfire or traffic accidents.  The NLEOMF will be adding five names from Arizona to the national memorial wall (in Washington) that were killed in the line of duty during 2011.

Governor Janice Brewer, DPS Director Robert Halliday and AHPA President Jimmy Chavez will speak at the ceremony.  Special performances by aviation professionals, national awarding winning vocalist Teri Tobin, Arizona music artists Arrowheart, and law enforcement bagpipers will add powerful sounds and visuals to the commemorative day.

The ceremony will take place on May 7 at 9 a.m. at the DPS Officer Memorial Statue located at 2102 W. Encanto Boulevard in Phoenix.