The City of Dallas took time to remember and memorialize the five law enforcement officers who were killed by a shooter in 2016.
The shooting occurred during a protest as the police were providing security. In total, the assailant shot 12 officers from the City of Dallas and DART police departments, leaving five dead.
The Dallas Police Department said on Twitter, “The events of July 7, 2016, forever changed [Dallas PD] and our city.”
“Today, we pause to remember the sacrifice our brothers made while protecting our city, courageously and with honor. We carry on their legacy by serving our city with dignity and fairness,” DPD continued. “We will never forget.”
The Fort Worth Police Department showed solidarity, saying, “[Dallas PD], we pause with you today to remember the Fallen Five, their families and your entire department.”
Similarly, the Arlington Police Department tweeted, “Thinking about our friends at [Dallas PD] and [DART], as well as the family and friends of these fallen heroes today. We will never forget their service to the DFW community or their sacrifice.”
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson said, “Today, we honor the five police officers who were tragically murdered on July 7, 2016 in Downtown Dallas. May we never forget the sacrifices our brave officers make in service to us all.”
In another post, DPD honored the four police officers it lost that day.
Officer Michael Krol “had served with the department for nine years and had previously served with the Wayne County, Michigan, Sheriff’s Office for four years,” DPD noted.
Officer Patrick Zamarripa had been “a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the department for six years. He is survived by his wife, 2-year-old daughter, and stepson.”
Senior Corporal Lorne Ahrens “served with the department for 14 years and had previously served with the Los Angeles County, California, Sheriff’s Office for 11 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.”
Sergeant Michael Smith “was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the Dallas Police Department for 27 years. He is survived by his wife and two daughters,” the department shared.
Council Member Cara Mendelsohn (District 12) shared the memorial post, adding, “Remembering 7/7/16.”
In addition to the four DPD officers, DART Police Officer Brent Thompson was also killed by the shooter. He received a Medal of Valor from the Department of Justice for his actions during the attack.
“Without regard for his own safety, Officer Thompson crossed a three-lane road and approached the shooter, who was wearing body armor and using an assault rifle, and began firing at him with his handgun,” the DOJ wrote.
“The selfless and heroic actions of Officer Thompson saved the lives of multiple officers and individuals,” the description continued. “By exchanging fire with the gunman, he created a distraction that enabled Dallas Police Department officers to rush to the aid of their fallen and wounded colleagues and allowed responding officers from both agencies the time and ability to find and fatally wound the shooter before he was able to shoot more officers as they arrived at the scene.”
State Rep. Rafael Anchía (D-Dallas) tweeted, “Today, we pause to remember the events of July 7, 2016, that shifted reality in the [City of Dallas] and [Dallas PD]. We honor the lives & service of Senior Cpl. Lorne Ahrens, Sgt. Michael Smith, Officer Michael Krol, Officer Patrick Zamarripa, and Officer Brent Thompson.”
