SPC Peace Officer Memorial remembers 126 fallen officers in 2023

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - Dozens of law enforcement officers, students, and citizens gathered at South Plains College in Levelland Wednesday, remembering the officers who died in the line-of-duty in 2023, all part of the school’s annual Peace Officer Memorial. That number includes 126 throughout the United States, 11 from Texas.

Small flags, both United States and Texas, were staked on the campus’ main lawn. The event has been a campus tradition, which precedes the career of many in attendance.

“That’s part of the Academy tradition that we do here,” Kenny Burns, director of programs for SPC’s law enforcement academy said.” To honor the fallen by training the living, so it’s only fitting that we have them participate and recognize the field that they’re about to get into, as well as honoring the ones that have gone this past year.”

Much like other ceremonies done to remember the fallen, Wednesday’s event included a 21-gun-salute, the bugle sounding off Taps, and the bagpipes playing Amazing Grace. Jeff Foster, Sundown Chief of Police, served as keynote speaker.

“These lives that were lost, were lost for our safety and our well-being, and they weren’t lost for no reason. These guys were dedicated law enforcement, and they gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Chief Foster said.

As of last report, 55 officers across the United States have died since January 1. Burns says there have been efforts across the country to keep that number down.

“There was actually a campaign called ‘Below 100′, that started several years ago, that was to try to keep law enforcement deaths under 100,” he said. “The last time we had that was 1944.”

Foster says it’s important to look back and honor those who came to work, and did unknowingly would not come home- especially in light of the current events taking place across the nation and world.

“This world that we’re living in is in turmoil, nationwide, with the wars in our communities, all the way down to our schools and inside our homes, and a lot of different things that affect that. Our law enforcement, first responders are dedicated. We’re here to answer those calls.”