Arizona Highway Patrol Association to Honor 28 DPS Officers Killed in Line of Duty with Memorial Ceremony

Annual event will take place TODAY, May 2nd

(Phoenix, AZ) –The men and women of the Arizona Highway Patrol Association (AHPA) will pay their respects to 28 Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers who were been killed in the line of duty. The Annual AHPA Police Officer Memorial Ceremony is scheduled for today at DPS’ main headquarters in Phoenix.

It is relieving to AHPA that they will not be adding another name to the memorial this year. However, other police agencies in Arizona, and countrywide, have recently experienced the loss of a hero. The names of 316 fallen police officers are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C. In 2010, officer fatalities increased over 40% nationwide from the year before. In Arizona alone, law enforcement experienced a 500% increase in police deaths. Yesterday, the community lost a Buckeye police officer that was killed during an altercation.

Governor Janice Brewer, DPS Director Robert Holliday and AHPA President Jimmy Chavez will speak at the ceremony. Special performances by aviation professionals, Miss Arizona Kathryn Buckley, the Arizona music group Arrowheart and law enforcement bagpipers will add powerful sounds and visuals to the commemorative day. This annual memorial, that arrives one week before the nationally recognized Police Memorial Week, not only honors the officers, but also the sacrifices of their families. This ceremony is a solemn reminder of the dangers DPS officers face every day as they protect and serve the citizens of State of Arizona.

The ceremony will take place on today, 9:00 a.m. at the AHPA Police Memorial Statue located at 2102 W. Encanto Boulevard in Phoenix. To schedule an interview, to receive raw photos or video footage from the event or for further information, please contact Stacey Dillon by phone at 480-225-4809 or email stacey@psamedias.com. Interviews can be accommodated before and after the event, as well.
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About the Arizona Highway Patrol Association (AHPA): Founded in 1958, the AHPA's mission is to promote the positive role of Law Enforcement Professionals, and to protect and secure rights and benefits for their members through effective representation with local, state and national governments. You can visit their website at www.ahpa.com.