2011-2012 Peace Officer Memorial Service

TYLER — As a part of National Police Week (May 7 thru May 16), the nation is paying tribute to peace officers from across the country who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Monday at noon, a Memorial Service was held on the Downtown Square in Tyler. Honor Guards from the Tyler Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Smith County Sheriff’s Office and Lindale Police Department took part in the ceremony to honor area Law Enforcement Officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty from May 2011 to May 2012.

In 2011, 166 officers died in the line of duty, and in 2012 to date, 36 officers have died in the line of duty throughout the country. Once again, Texas led the country with the death toll of 13 peace officers in 2011 and 2 officers in 2012, including our own Smith County Deputy Robert Britton Jr. on March 28, 2011. In 2011, the average age was 41 and average tour of duty was 12 years 9 months. The event included the posting of the colors, a wreath ceremony, Taps, a 21-gun salute, a riderless horse and a fly-over by a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter. Families of fallen officers and members of the public attended the ceremony.