Today is the one year anniversary of the deadly attack in Dallas that claimed the lives of five law enforcement officers. Governor Abbot asked all Texas law enforcement officers to turn on their red and blue lights for one minute this morning to honor the fallen.
The Lubbock Police Department, Lubbock Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement agencies gathered at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center to remember the officers killed in the ambush attack.
One year ago, a man opened fire during a Black Lives Matter protest focused on police brutality. Five officers were killed and several other were injured.
“They were doing their job and we’ll always continue to do our job and place ourselves in harms way,” said Texas Department of Safety Officer, Sergeant John Gonzalez. “It’s what we’re paid for, it’s what the public expects of us. When people are running away, we’re running into it. That’s just part of the job, part of the badge, part of the oath we take.”
They flashed their red and blue light on their cars and motorcycles in remembrance.
“All the officers across the United States who have been killed in the line of duty, it means a lot because we’re honoring them, those who have placed themselves in harms way,” said Sergeant Gonzalez.
Officers said they feel lucky to work in the Lubbock community where they feel supported.
“In our area, we have a great community. We have tons of support from the community around here,” said Lubbock Police Department Sergeant Clay Winters. “We’re fortunate in Texas and around West Texas to have the support we do. It’s not that way in other parts of the country.”
Law enforcement across the state is asking for people to show their support for the fallen officers by replacing their front porch light with a blue light instead.
