Last night at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Governor Greg Abbott honored the valor of fallen peace officers at the Texas Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony. In a solemn event attended by lawmakers and law enforcement leaders, Abbott paid tribute to 37 officers who died in the line of duty, presenting their families with the Texas Medal of Honor, as reported by the Office of the Texas Governor.

“This Peace Officer Memorial is far more than just a granite monument—it is an eternal reminder of the unsung Texas heroes taken too soon,” Abbott said. Reflecting on the state's history and acknowledging the dangers still present today, he added, "It is easy to forget that this land we stand on was once the Wild West. Peace officers who serve today follow the same rich tradition of famous Texas lawmen who helped tame the Wild West." The annual event not only commemorates those lost but also reaffirms Texas' unwavering support for law enforcement.

In attendance were several key figures including Senator Brian Birdwell, Senator Pete Flores, Representative Donna Howard, and Representative Ellen Troxclair, among others as per the Office of the Texas Governor. The ceremony was also supported by eminent law enforcement associations, with figures like Marvin Ryals, president of the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, Chris CeBallos, president of the Texas Municipal Police Association, and Karla Pruneda, president of the Texas Fraternal Order of Police, in presence to show solidarity.

Alongside remembrance, the gathering underscored a commitment to safekeeping the peace and pursuing justice, tenets that these officers embodied through their service. Governor Abbott concluded his remarks with a message of deep-seated gratitude: “Without their hard work and dedication, justice would go undone. We are eternally grateful for the valor of those heroes who face danger, fight for justice, and keep Texas safe.”