Hays County Commissioners Court Proclaims Peace Officers Memorial Day And Police Week In Hays County

Sheriff’s Office Lt. Dennis Gutierrez told the Court that 135 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2017, including 14 in Texas.

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – The Hays County Commissioners Court has proclaimed May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 13-19 as National Police Week in Hays County.

According to the proclamation, since 1791 when the first known line-of-duty death occurred in the United States, more than 23,000 enforcement officers have made the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives in the line of duty.

Sheriff’s Office Lt. Dennis Gutierrez told the Court that 135 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2017, including 14 in Texas. One, San Marcos Police Department Officer Ken Copeland, was murdered December 4.

The proclamation also states that law enforcement agencies in Hays County unceasingly provide a vital public service using modern techniques and technologies.

In addressing the Court, Sheriff Gary Cutler said that the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office are some of the most professional he’s ever worked with in his career, and that he’s very proud of them.  

The Fraternal Order of Police, Hill Country Lodge #23 will host the annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at noon in the rotunda of the Hays County Government Center, 712 S. Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, to honor the Texas law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty in 2017.

A special presentation will be made in honor of San Marcos Police Department Officer Kenneth Copeland. The public is invited.

Photo Attached

Left to right, Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe, Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark Jones, Detective John Spitzer, Detective Eugene Carranza, Lt. Dennis Gutierrez, Detective Mark Opiela, Lt Joe Faulkner, Precinct 3 Commissioner Lon Shell, Sheriff Gary Cutler, Detective Ryan Watkins, Captain Mike Davenport, Sgt. Jon Craigmile, Captain Mark Cumberland, Precinct 1 Deputy Constable Greg Grumbles, and Precinct 4 Commissioner Ray Whisenant.