Officer Down Foundation Commemorates Two-Year Anniversary of 2016 Police Shootings by Hosting Day of Events to Honor Officers and the Dallas Community
It’s been two years since one of the deadliest attacks on officers where five police officers were killed in an ambush attack in 2016 and just a few months after the North Dallas Home Depot shooting that claimed the life of Dallas police officer Rogelio Santander. On July 7th at Dallas City Hall Plaza, the Officer Down Foundation will host a special event and memorial to honor lives lost in the line of duty and honoring officers that continue to persevere every day. Funds raised will support injured and fallen officers.
Last year, the Texas House passed a bill making July 7th Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Day in the state as a way to remember every year the men and women that put their life on the line to protect us every day. To commemorate this day, the Officer Down Foundation has planned a day of community events including the 5th Annual Officer Down Motorcycle Ride to serve as a reminder of the sacrifices police officers make and honor the resilience of officers and the Dallas community.
The Fallen Officers Memorial at Dallas City Hall Plaza
Starting at 9 AM, officers and community members will gather for a chance to remember, but also celebrate the lives of officers lives lost. The ceremony includes a Color Guard presentation of The US Honor Flag, the national anthem sung by William Vaughn, and speeches from the CEO of the Officer Down Foundation, Willie Ford, and Chief of Staff of the U.S. Honor Flag, Chris Heisler.
The Officer Down Motorcycle Ride
Following the memorial at Dallas City Hall Plaza, motorcycle riders and the community will unite through The Officer Down Motorcycle Ride to commemorate the two-year anniversary of the 2016 Dallas Police shootings, the resilience of the city and honor those who lost their lives. Registered riders will be issued a commemorative patch at the culmination of the police escorted ride, prior to the movie. The 35-mile motorcycle ride will end at Studio Movie Grill Northwest Highway.
Special Screening of Uncle Drew at Studio Movie Grill
Not riding? Friends, the family of riders and the Dallas community are invited to meet at Studio Movie Grill off Northwest Highway for a special screening of Uncle Drew. Registration includes a meal and, like the ride, directly benefits The Officer Down Foundation.
The Officer Down Foundation, participating Police and partners wish to thank the community for their ongoing and unwavering support from Dallas citizens and beyond.
Thanks to our partners: The Black Police Association of Greater Dallas, Event Southwest, The Honor Network, Rental Stop, Operation Blue Shield and Space Lighting. Each is committed to supporting both the Officer Down Foundation and the Police community as a whole.
The Officer Down Motorcycle Ride will be a fun packed day for people of all ages. Register today at http://odfevents.org
About the Officer Down Foundation
The Officer Down Foundation provides financial assistance to all active Dallas Police Officers and Dallas Independent School District Officers who are facing the loss of income due to a serious injury, life-threatening illness or other catastrophic events. Assistance is also available to an officer's immediate family member (ie, Spouse and children) in the event of the death of an active officer.