The men and women of the Arizona Highway Patrol Association (AHPA) will paid their respects to the 28 Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers who have been killed in the line of duty. The Annual AHPA Police Officer Memorial Ceremony is took place Monday, May 3rd at 9 A.M.
During this years’ ceremony, a special part of the program recognized Officer Christopher Marano. On December 17, 2009, DPS Officer Chris Marano was killed while attempting to stop a fleeing suspect in a stolen vehicle. Officer Marano, 28, of Surprise, Arizona, survived by his wife, Shelly Marano, and their four young children. Officer Marano had served with DPS for three and one half years. Shelly is also a public servant with the Arizona Department of Corrections (DOC) as a State Correctional Officer.Ā AHPA will unveil a permanent plaque at the memorial site, dedicated to Officer Marano’s courageousness and valiance.Ā Marano’s name was one of 116 officers that were killed in the line of duty in 2009, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF).
Governor Janice Brewer, DPS Director Robert Holliday and AHPA President Jimmy ChavezĀ spoke at the ceremony.Ā Special performances by aviation professionals, Mrs. Arizona Melanie Britton, and law enforcement bagpipers added powerful sounds and visuals to the commemorative day. This annual memorial, that arrives one week before the nationally recognized Police Memorial Week, not only honored the officers, but also the sacrifices of their families. This ceremony is a solemn reminder of the dangers DPS officers face every day as they protect and serve the citizens of State of Arizona.
Article written by/or information provided by AHPA
