Monday night, loved ones, colleagues, leaders, and residents gathered in the heart of Dallas to honor the five officers who lost their lives during an ambush Thursday in downtown.
The night sky was filled with candlelight as everyone remembered the ultimate sacrifice these five men made.
But before the candles were lit, each officer was remembered by someone who knew them well, fellow officers. The men and women who worked, trained, and ate side by side. Partners.
LORNE AHRENS
"I'll never forget that fateful night when I learned at the hospital that my dear friend was one of the officers fighting for his life. Lorne, I know you're up there listening, brother. And I want you to know I was there outside the window by your side to see you take your final breath. You weren't alone. I had your back as you always had ours. It was no surprise when I learned Lorne's final moments were spent protecting others from harm."
- Saying goodbye to a gentle giant
- Officer's heart-wrenching goodbye to brother in blue
- Fallen officer described as 'big, bald cop with wicked sense of humor'
- PHOTOS: Memorial service for DPD officer Lorne Ahrens
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BRENT THOMPSON
"The words 'warrior,' 'brave,' and 'hero' are often overused and on the wrong things. These words are weakened and at some point lose their true meaning. However, every so often, for a brief moment in history, something happens with a special person that can remind us of the true meanings of those words."
- Corsicana honors Officer Brent Thompson as procession brings him home
- VIDEO: Remembering Brent Thompson
- VIDEO: Honoring the fallen: Brent Thompson
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PATRICK 'PATRICIO' ZAMARRIPA
"Patrick loved this job. His commitment and work ethic were contagious and others strived to be better because of him. But it wasn't just at work. Outside of work, people could not help but to feed off his positive energy and enjoy his goofiness and his heartwarming smile."
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MICHAEL SMITH
"As I sat down to compose the words tonight standing before you to describe the man, the husband, and the father that Mike was, I asked myself, 'How do I properly convey to you the life and legacy of Mike in just a few minutes?' The answer simply was I cannot. I cannot convey to those that did not know him what an amazing officer he was. What a loyal husband he was to his beloved, Heidi. What an incredible dad he was to Victoria and Caroline."
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MICHAEL KROL
"I want to start off by saying that Michael Krol was a great friend. I've known him for a few years and we've had many good times and laughs together. I always knew, if I needed someone to be there, he would come." ______________________________________________________________________________
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