The Texas Peace Officers Memorial honored fallen officers on Sunday, April 30, at the State Capitol with a ceremony commemorating their lives and sacrifice.
The ceremony kicked off with the Memorial March, where Honor Guard teams, Pipe and Drum Corps, motorcycle officers, and bicycle officers marched to the capitol.
The event honored officers who were killed in the line of duty.
Six officers from North Texas were honored. In total, 58 names were memorialized in the Texas Peace Officer’s Memorial.
Notable attendees among the crowd were Grand Prairie Police Chief Daniel Scesney, who was in attendance to honor Grand Prairie Police Officer Brandon Tsai.
Tsai died in a crash while pursuing a suspect who allegedly had a fake paper license plate in November 2022, as reported by The Dallas Express,
“This is a very difficult time of year for all Texas police officers, especially for those of us at Grand Prairie Police Department who are here at the State Capitol honoring fallen officer Brandon Tsai. Quite frankly, I hope it’s something we never have to do again and I hope that this ceremony becomes something that’s not necessary in Texas,” said Scesney, speaking to NBC 5 DFW.
Carrollton Police Officer Steve Nothem was another local officer who was honored Sunday with his name etched into the memorial.
Nothem was killed last September when an out-of-control vehicle struck his patrol car on the George Bush Turnpike.
Gov. Greg Abbott spoke at the event and released a statement in connection with the memorial.
“In Texas, we cherish our law enforcement officers, especially those whose bravery and valor led to the ultimate sacrifice,” said Abbott.
“This Peace Officers’ Memorial is far more than just a granite monument—it’s an eternal reminder of our Texas heroes taken too soon,” he continued. “Our hearts ache over the tragic loss of these lives and for all the peace officers who have fallen in the line of duty. We are eternally grateful for those heroes who fought for justice and kept Texas safe. God bless each of our law enforcement officers, and may God forever bless all the men and women who serve and protect our communities.”
The local fallen officers honored at the ceremony included:
- Officer Christopher Gibson, Dallas Police (Jan. 2, 2022)
- Corporal Albert Gomez, White Settlement Police (July 27, 2021)
- Sr. Corporal Arnulfo Pargas, Dallas Police (Sept. 23, 2021)
- Detective Rodney Mooneyham, Denton Police (Oct.16, 2021)
- Officer Brandon Tsai, Grand Prairie Police (Jan. 14, 2022)
- Officer Steve Nothem, Carrollton Police (Sept. 18, 2022)