Austin Police Department Honors Officers Killed In Line of Duty

Austin, Texas: Officers Paid Tribute at Biannual Police Memorial Event

In a touching act of commemoration, the Austin Police Department (APD) held its biannual Police Memorial Event to honor the immense sacrifice made by 29 Austin police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

A Tribute of Honor: Roses for The Fallen

In the heart of Austin, roses were carefully placed on a wreath for each of the 29 fallen officers, signifying their courage and dedication. The officers commemorated dated back as far as 1875, highlighting the longstanding bravery of the Austin Police Department through the years.

The event also served to pay respects to the recent casualties – Officer Anthony Martin who died in a motorcycle crash in 2022, and Officer Jorge Pastore, tragically shot and killed by a gunman during a hostage incident in November 2023.

Preserving the Memory

As part of the solemn tribute, the APD inducted the name of Officer Jorge Pastore onto their memorial wall, a poignant gesture recognizing his ultimate sacrifice. His name was also inscribed on a ribbon added to the Honor Guard’s memorial flag, both symbolic gestures to ensure the lasting memory of officer Pastore’s dedication to public safety.

In a statement during the event, APD said: “These grounds serve as a testament to the unwavering commitment of our officers and the protection of our community. It is also part of our solemn promise to never forget the officers’ sacrifice.”

Shared Grief, Collective Healing

Addressing the attendees, Interim Police Chief Robin Henderson expressed the communal sense of loss and extended her gratitude to the families, “I know these memorials are not easy, but I do hope they serve as a healing moment for you and a reminder that we will never forget your hero. Thank you for sharing your hero with us.” She further mentioned that Officer Pastore’s name is set to be added to a national memorial in Washington, D.C. in the coming weeks.