Flag Raising Ceremony Kicks Off Police Memorial Week 2016

Around 300 law enforcement personnel from various departments and community advocates turned out for a flag raising ceremony this morning at the San Angelo Police Department. All branches, including members from Goodfellow Air Force Base's 17th Squadron Military Police and their K-9 Officers, Joy and Spike, commemorated the start of Police Memorial Week.  

"We're here to support local law enforcement, and in memory of one of our own, a Tech Sergeant who was taken from us June 24th of 2015, said Air Force Master Sergeant Weatherby. He added that Hutto, Texas Detective Sgt. Chris Kelley, 37, was killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop by a repeat offender with an extensive criminal record. 

On the west side of the San Angelo Police Department at 401 E. Beauregard, a podium stood front and center while local officers stood by for the commencement of ceremonies. On the north side, the Honor Guard stood at attention, in full regalia, while various spectators mingled amongst one another. It was a time for hugs, handshakes, photos, thanks, remembrance, and reflection on this sunny West Texas morning.

 

The event began with the Department Chaplain opening with prayer, and then Police Chief Tim Vasquez addressed the audience. He said this flag raising ceremony was especially important to him, for the last one SAPD had was in 2015, and honored his long-time friend Officer Korby Kennedy, also killed in the line of duty. With some difficulty holding back his emotions, Vasquez reflected on how law enforcement officers are not just co-workers. Over time, they become family and it is a true "brotherhood." Regarding an officer's commitment to the force and community, Vasquez quoted Dr. Martin Luther King and said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Vasquez shared some quotes that he said he uses when cadets graduate the Academy including, "How will you be remembered when you retire or die? Will you be remembered as an officer with a true serving heart with compassion and love for everyone, who loved their job as a police officer? God gave me those words and Sgt. Korby Kennedy gave me the example. Here in San Angelo, police lives matter."

Vasquez also urged people to remember, "These are not just police officers; they are husbands, fathers, brothers, sons, and so much more. Some are even coaches and Sunday School teachers, and when you see one of these guys, thank them for all they do. Our community's show of love and support does not go unrecognized, but [it] gives the department strength, hope and faith, which is greatly appreciated."

Following Vasquez's speech, a moment of silence was observed for Officer Kennedy, and then Brad Goodwin, the Republican nominee for 391st District Judge, took the podium. 

"For generations, the protection of the individual and the pursuit of justice has been the responsibility of our police officers," said Goodwin. "They shoulder the trust of their fellow citizens in their daily effort to provide the protection and services that are increasingly important for our nation. Those officers who have made the supreme sacrifice and demonstrated their devotion to the fundamental values of decency are so essential to the well-being of American lives. For those men and women who have carried the cause of justice to the grave, they deserve not only our respect, but [also] our heartfelt gratitude."

At that point, the crowd stood in silence with all eyes on the firing squad, and the command echoed out for ceremonial shots to be fired. Officers stood near the flag pole and prepared for the raising of the U.S. and Texas Flags. "Taps" was then played, followed by Amazing Grace on the bagpipe. As the flags were raised, many people saluted or held their hands over their hearts in observance of the day's event. 

The event ended with the SAPD's Chaplain delivering a very powerful prayer.  

"For those [who] have given their lives to ensure the freedom that our nation enjoys, be it on a foreign shore or right here in our homeland; be it our two-legged or four-legged officers, Lord help us remember to live our lives in such a way that we do their memory honor," the Chaplain prayed. "As we go through this week, we ask you to help us remember always, that no matter how dark the night may be, no matter how many tears are shed, ultimately, joy will come in the morning."