Amarillo area law enforcement salute the fallen on Peace Officer Memorial Day

Law enforcement agencies and families from across the Amarillo area gathered Wednesday morning at Llano Cemetery to honor those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Police Officer Memorial Day was established nationally in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy as a day to pay tribute to the local, state, and federal law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

Randall County Sheriff Chris Forbis spoke about the importance of honoring officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their community.

“Today has a two-fold feeling: First, it's solemn remembering your brothers and sisters who died in the line of duty, and second, in a strange way, it is fulfilling because people from the community get to show up to show their support, love and respect for to those that served them," Forbis said. “It is extremely important not to forget those that have died, but it is also important to the families who have lost their loved ones in the line of service.”

Amarillo Police Chief Martin Birkenfeld spoke about the ceremony's significance to local law enforcement.

“It is a privilige for us to be here today to honor the officers that have fallen in the line of duty,” he said. “It's important for our community to have the opportunity to come out and honor these officers and that we never forget the sacrifices that were made.”

Birkenfeld emphasized that the Amarillo community has so much support for its law enforcement officers that it gives its officers immense pride in serving the city.

“Knowing that what we do to keep the community safe is honored by the community makes me want to do my job to the best of my ability,” Birkenfeld added.