Colleyville, Southlake police remember their fallen colleagues

Cities around the nation, including Colleyville and Southlake, capped national Police Week with memorial ceremonies to honor their colleagues who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

“It’s a time to remember the brothers and sisters who have fallen,” said Sgt. Jose Luna, Southlake Police’s officer of the year, who has been on the Southlake force for 10 years.

The ceremonies included speeches, choir performances, traditional bag pipes and wreath presentations. Southlake’s event was Thursday, while Colleyville’s was Friday.

Southlake Interim Police Chief James Brandon said this week is personal to many officers who have lost colleagues. Brandon lost three people he knew well during his time at the Corpus Christi Police Department.

“All of us know that day can come for us at any time,” Brandon said.

Since its incorporation in 1956, Southlake has not lost any officers. But in 1934, two officers were fatally shot on West Dove Road.

Brandon said during the week he can feel the support from the community.

“This is a time we can feel that love and appreciation from people that mean it,” he said.

Colleyville Assistant Police Chief Robert Hinton said having National Police Week is important at a time when police are scrutinized and criticized.

“It is even more important in today’s time to recognize those sacrifices in today’s national discussion of police,” Hinton said.

He said the Colleyville Police Department is looking at adding body cameras for officers. Brandon said Southlake is in the middle of its budgeting process and if approved, people may see officers with body cameras late this year, or early next.

Despite today’s climate, Luna is clear about why he puts on the uniform.

“I put the uniform on every day for my family, for the citizens of Southlake,” Luna said.

This story was originally published May 27, 2015 at 2:54 PM with the headline "Colleyville, Southlake police remember their fallen colleagues."