Fort Bend County Honors Fallen Officers, Celebrates National Police Week

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

May 13, 2019

By Natalie Cook Clark

This year, National Police Week runs from May 12 to May 18. In an annual ceremony, the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office honored their fallen officers last week despite heavy rainfall in the area. Fort Bend County has lost a total of 17 officers in its history dating back to the 1800's.

FBCSO's new building is displaying blue lights all this week in honor of National Police Week. Photo Credit: FBCSO PIO Caitilin Espinosa

Heavy Rain Didn't Stop Fallen Officer Ceremony

The annual ceremony honoring the county's fallen officers went on despite six to twelve inches of rain pouring down on parts of Fort Bend County. The event traditionally takes place outside at the Officer's Memorial, but due to weather, was moved indoors for the first time in Sheriff's Troy Nehls' time as sheriff.

17 Officers Lost in Fort Bend County's History

Since the start of Fort Bend County's history, dating back to the 1800's, the county has lost 17 officers in the line of duty. "Over half of those deaths are motor vehicle crashes," says Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls.

All 17 fallen officers in Fort Bend County's history are honored in the FBCSO's lobby and their photographs are available for public viewing. Photo Credit: FBCSO PIO Caitilin Espinosa

"We try to show the families how much we honor our fallen officers," says Nehls. "We normally have several family members of those fallen attend. This year that number was down due to the rain. We had two different families attend the ceremony."

National Police Week

This special event coincides with National Police Week that runs through May 18. A memorial display featuring photos of fallen officers, their names and description is currently available for anyone to view at the new sheriff’s office at 1840 Williams Way in Richmond. The display will be set up through Friday, May 17.

The exterior of the building will also be illuminated blue all week in honor and celebration of National Police Week.

"It's an important reminder for officers to know they aren’t invincible and sometimes bad things happen,” says Major Chad Norvell.

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