Paying Respects

A 21-gun salute could be heard Monday morning as the Brownsville Police Department honored those who have died in the line of duty.

Mayor Pat M. Ahumada Jr. addressed the crowd gathered outside the police station on East Jackson Street.

"They must show humility, but they must also understand they are here to serve the public, not themselves," he said of Brownsville's more than 250 police officers. "They do a great job."

Ahumada emphasized that without police officers; U.S. cities likely would have to be patrolled by military personnel.

"Without them (police officers), we would see troops patrolling, like to the south of us," he said of military personnel in Matamoros to fight the war on drug trafficking.

In 2007, 181 police officers throughout the nation were killed while wearing their badge.

"This tribute is to those that have fallen during their service," Ahumada said. "They are all there to serve and protect us."

Police Chief Carlos Garcia said Monday's event was symbolic to him because of the pressure police officers face while serving and protecting.

"We take time to honor all those officers killed in the line of duty," he said. "They give their lives. To the department this means a lot."

County Judge Carlos Cascos remembered when his former classmate, then-Sgt. William Kingsbury, was shot during a 1999 drug bust on 13th and Ringgold streets. Kingsbury survived the single gunshot, and is now retired.

"He's been a friend for a long time," Cascos said. "I respect him. I want to thank you (for your service)."

Cascos reminded those present that a career in law enforcement is no simple job.

"Law enforcement is a career," he said. "If you see this as a job - it's a career. You are also asked to be a mediator and a counselor. But that's what it's all about."

Ahumada asked those present to remember the service men and women overseas who have died serving their country.

"Although this ceremony is symbolic in nature, we cannot forget those that have fallen in service," he said of the men and women who have died while on tours of duty in Iraq and throughout the Middle East. "It is not easy for them."