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Remembering the Fallen
Honoring their Bravery and Sacrifice Four Years Later
On this date four years ago, my children and I participated in a peaceful march in the aftermath of the killings of two men, Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, by police officers in Louisiana and Minnesota. It was also the night that five brave law enforcement officers were killed by a lone gunman that turned that peaceful protest into a night of chaos.
These officers – Lorne Ahrens, Michael Krol, Michael Smith, Brent Thompson, and Patrick Zamarripa lost their lives in service to the city and citizens of Dallas and we should #NeverForget their bravery and sacrifice. We will forever be grateful to the brave men and women that rushed towards the danger and helped us and others to safety.
It is not lost on me that the events of early July 2016 are similar to what has been happening for a little over a month. This especially hits home for me. I worry about my own son or daughter having a negative encounter. I am equally as concerned for my close relatives that are members of law enforcement and all first responders. I pray that all sons and daughters, officers, and other first responders make it home safely each night.
Today, I am closing out a listening series with law enforcement, I started in the wake of the recent protests. In an effort to be a bridge leading us to better understanding and cooperation between the police and the communities they serve. I spoke with police chiefs from the majority of cities in the district, as well as members of area police associations to hear their concerns, discuss their plans for officer education and training within their departments, and collect their suggestions for moving forward.
This upcoming session I am ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find meaningful solutions and sensible reforms to prevent needless deaths and to restore public trust and cooperation between law enforcement and those citizens they were sworn in to protect and serve. #rememberthefallen5 #Dallas[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]