The flags in front of the Medical School building were lowered in honor of all university police officers around the nation.
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With the lowering of the flags, and the music of bugles and bagpipes, the Health Science Center formally recognized all law enforcement officers from universities around the nation on May 15. The week has been designated National Police Week in honor of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and in appreciation of those law enforcement officers who continue to serve our community.

“Danger lurks even in what we think are the simplest situations,” said. Lt. Alfredo Cooke, university police. “Every 57 hours a police officer is killed around the country. But those are just numbers. After the funeral, the victims’ families live each day remembering their loved one, knowing that they will never hear their voice again. This is our day to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for us, and pay our respects.”

San Antonio Police Department’s Chief of Police William McManus attended the memorial service and said he plans to pursue a better partnership with the Health Science Center.

“We want to partner in our jobs so that we can have more support,” Chief McManus said. “The Health Science Center’s chief of police and I are going to do what we can to create more collaborations and an even closer partnership.”

Thank a UT police officer for being here everyday to protect our campus.

May 15 was designated Peace Officer’s Memorial Day in October 1962. Since then, peace officers around the nation have been recognized every year.

In a closing prayer, Father Jimmy D. Drennan said: “May we never underestimate the value of our law enforcement officers. We need them. We’re thankful for those who’ve chosen to stay in law enforcement and to those who have sacrificed their lives for us.”

Cpl. Karen Tucker, university police, organized the memorial service to raise awareness of the significance of the day. Displayed on a table was a list of names of law enforcement officers from universities from around the nation who’ve died in the last year. There are 39.

“This is our day to honor all university police officers,” said Chief of Police, Robert Bratten. “So that they can get the recognition they deserve.”

Blue ribbons were given to attendees as a reminder of the things that law enforcement officers sacrifice everyday for our safety.