Members of law enforcement in North Texas will be attending a ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., courtesy of Dallas’ Perot family.
The Perot family is famous for investments that have impacted North Texas. According to a report by NBC 5, in collaboration with the Brotherhood for the Fallen, the family donated a plane to fly local police officers to the ceremony, which is held in honor of officers killed in the line of duty.
The service is a part of National Police Week, observed from May 11 -17. The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum is organizing ceremonies to honor the memories of fallen officers whose names have recently been added to the Memorial. The program line-up includes the 34th Annual Candlelight Vigil, held on May 13 at the National Mall in Washington.
Officers from the Texas Department of Public Safety and Fort Worth Police Department will be onboard the flight to Washington. Members of the Mesquite Police Department, which recently suffered a loss, will also be joining the flight.
As reported by The Dallas Express, Mesquite PD’s Officer Richard Houston was responding to a fight in the parking lot of a grocery store last December when he was shot and killed. The 21-year Mesquite force veteran left behind three children.
The officer’s family was offered a flight to Washington to join in honoring his memory.
“We’re just trying to show this family the solidarity,” said Jimmy Pollazni, president of the Brotherhood for the Fallen. “Even though their husband or father is gone, … their brothers and sisters in this nation, … over 750,000 in law enforcement, stand by them, love them, and will always support them.”
Mesquite Police Chief David Gill expressed gratitude to the Perot family for the support. The upcoming trip will strengthen the family of the deceased and officers of the Mesquite Police Department, he believes.
“Obviously, they’re hurting, and we’re hurting, and it gives us an opportunity to hurt together,” Gill said, “but to also remember the good times.”
“It brings a measure of healing that we really need,” he added.
The Candlelight Vigil will be live-streamed on Facebook, Youtube, and the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund website. Services will begin at 7 p.m. CST on May 13.