Remembering fallen officers on National Police Week
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Local law enforcement is honoring fallen officers for National Police Week, May 10-16. The week of remembrance is underway with officers, agencies, and communities participating across the country.
Burnet Police Chief Tony Hefferin shared a statement on the city’s Facebook page on the importance of honoring fallen officers and supporting their families throughout the week, highlighting his personal experience with the loss of officers and friends.
“During my time at the Bellaire Police Department, we lost two officers in the line of duty—Sergeant Jimmie Norman and Officer Marco Zarate,” Chief Hefferin said. “Police Week matters to me, and to so many of us, because it reminds us of these officers and they are never just names carved into stone.”
Hefferin also spoke on the impactful loss of Burnet’s own Officer Jose Meza in 2019, which still affects the community to this day.
“Here in Burnet, we continue to remember Officer Jose Humberto Meza, who gave his life in the line of duty on December 20th, 2019,” Chief Hefferin said. “We continue to honor Jose, not just by reading his name each year, but by making sure his sacrifice, and his family, are never forgotten. They will always have our support, respect, and a place in this department”
Officer Meza died from a heart attack on Dec. 20 following an hours-long training session with his K-9 partner, Kuso. Meza had begun to feel unwell after the training and was taken to the hospital, where he passed away later that day.
Chief Hefferin reminded residents to keep Meza and his family in their thoughts as the week of remembrance progresses.
“This week, especially May 15th (during the National Peace Officers Memorial Service), is about remembrance,” he said. “Behind each name is a family whose world has forever changed. We can’t bring them back, but we can make sure their memory endures.”
As part of National Police Week, several memorial events will take place in D.C. to honor the fallen heroes, including the Candlelight Vigil, National Survivors Conference, and the main event of the week, National Peace Officers Memorial Service, on May 15 at the U.S. Capitol.
Deputy Taylor
The Llano community came together on May 9 to honor Llano County Sheriff’s deputy Andy Taylor, who was killed in the line of duty 21 years ago on that same day.