COLORADO SPRINGS — The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) hosted its annual Pikes Peak Region Peace Officers Memorial Service on Friday, May 19 at 10 a.m. This event is a private service for the families of the fallen however, the event was live-streamed on our website.
The event began with the national anthem. The anthem was followed by a prayer led by a CSPD Chaplain. Chief Adrian Vasquez shared a few words before the keynote speaker was introduced.
"To the families, thank you for sharing the gift of their heroism and bravery with all of us," said Chief Vasquez.
Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers attended the event as its keynote speaker. Mayor Suthers made note of the sacrifice made by Fountain Police Officer Julian Becerra and El Paso County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Peery.
"Your loved ones lived a life of great purpose and meaning. They gave their life to help preserve the freedom we all enjoy," said Mayor Suthers.
This year Colorado Springs lost Officer Becerra. He died less than a week after falling from a 40-ft bridge in south Colorado Springs during a pursuit on February 2.
Last year, Colorado Springs mourned the loss and remembered the life of Deputy Peery. He was killed on Sunday, August 7, 2022, while responding to a shooting on Ponderosa Drive in Security.
"I'm quite certain that none of the officers we honor today went to work on the day they died with knowledge of the specific danger that would confront them," said Suthers, "but they went to work, nevertheless, willing to confront that danger — and death was the price they paid."
Suthers was thanked for his support of law enforcement.
The El Paso County Mounted Unit and Regional Honor Guard delivered a wreath intended as a symbolic tribute to officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. The roll call of honor, a list of names of fallen Pikes Peak region peace officers dating back to 1895, was read in honor of those who passed.
A gun salute was provided which was followed by a recitation of The Benediction Prayer.
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day. He also declared the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week.
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