Dallas

Memorial Unveiled for 5 Officers Killed in July 2016 Ambush

July 7, 2016 was the deadliest day for U.S. law enforcement since Sept. 11, 2001

The Dallas Police Department unveiled a permanent memorial Monday morning, honoring the five officers who were killed in an ambush attack in downtown Dallas on July 7, 2016.

Located outside the entrance of DPD headquarters, the 14-foot tall sculpture shows the Dallas skyline, with busts of DPD Sr. Cpl. Lorne Ahrens, Officer Michael Krol, Sgt. Michael Smith, Officer Patrick Zamarripa, and Dallas Area Rapid Transit Officer Brent Thompson displayed below it.

"This is an incredible gift that reminds us that we are not forgotten," Sgt. Ivan Gunter, who was among those to respond July 7, said. 

A plaque near the memorial reads, "No Greater Sacrifice Can a Police Officer Make Than to Lay Down Their Life While Protecting the Citizens of Dallas."

"The feeling that my son is on a monument is totally, totally amazing and I couldn't be more proud," Valerie Zamarripa, mother of Patrick Zamarripa said. 

The memorial was paid for and commissioned by Energy Transfer Partners. It was designed by an artist named Barvo.

Rick Zamarripa, the father of Patrick Zamarripa, was also among those in attendance Monday at the unveiling.

He noted that the incident that claimed his son's life seems like it was yesterday, and he urged the public to respect the security that police officers help to provide.

"We take it for granted. Freedom isn't free. Somebody has to pay for it and, unfortunately, my son was one of them," Zamarripa said. "So I'll say it one more time — please don't forget these guys. They deserve it."

July 7, 2016, is considered the deadliest day for U.S. law enforcement since the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

"It is always our job to honor their life and legacy and this was an opportunity to do it," Dallas Police Chief Renee Hall said. 

Downtown Dallas was again the site of a high-profile shooting last month, when a masked gunman attacked a federal courthouse. The gunman was the only fatality.

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