DPS Fallen Officer Memorial
We encourage you to stop and take a moment to look at the statue, walk around the base and take note of the artistโs work, craftmanship, and the tribute to our officers. Also view the memorial walls on each side that honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Click on an officer plaque below to learn more about them and their End of Watch information.
Click on an officer plaque below to learn more about them and their End of Watch information.
Officer Memorial ceremony
In remembrance of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It is hosted each year by the Arizona State Troopers Association and the Department of Public Safety.
2020 Officer Memorial Tribute
The Roll Call
by Paul Palmer #342
It is a special place in heaven that God has set aside for only the bravest.
It is reserved for those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice; giving their lives to protect us.
Today the street is lined with all the officers who have fallen in the line of duty. Men and women, in various uniforms, razor sharp creases, and shoes shined to a high gloss. Today, at the head of the line are the tan uniforms of the officers of the Arizona State Troopers. Today 29 officers stand ready to accept a new member.
Louie Cochran badge 59, EOW 12-22-58 steps forward at the head of the line and calls the other officers to attention. Louieโs voice booms outโฆ
โPaul Marston, badge 138 EOW 6-9-69โ HERE SIR is the response.
โGib Duthie badge 143 EOW 9-5-70โ HERE SIR.
โJim Keeton badge 310 EOW 2-5-71โ HERE SIR.
โDon Beckstead badge 409 EOW 2-7-71โ HERE SIR
โAlan Hansen badge 204 EOW 7-19-73โ HERE SIR.
โGreg Diley badge 1442 EOW 12-2-77โ HERE SIR.
โMac Merrill badge 695 EOW 12-11-78โ HERE SIR.
โJohn Walker badge 150 EOW 11-30-79โ HERE SIR.
โBill Murie badge 721 EOW 11-19-80โ HERE SIR.
โTom McNeff badge 1758 EOW 10-2-83โ HERE SIR.
โRick Stratman badge 1622 EOW 10-2-83โ HERE SIR.
โBruce Petersen badge 3536 EOW 10-20-87โ HERE SIR.
โEd Rebel badge 233 EOW 6-28-88โ HERE SIR.
โJohnny Garcia badge 3572 EOW 10-14-89โ HERE SIR.
โDave Gabrielli badge 1231 EOW 8-31-90โ HERE SIR.
โJohn Blaser badge 2916 EOW 8-31-90โ HERE SIR.
โManny Tapia badge 1409 EOW 1-8-91โ HERE SIR.
โDave Zesiger badge 1848 EOW 7-3-92โ HERE SIR.
โMark Dryer badge 9764 EOW 7-3-1993โ HERE SIR
โMike Crowe badge 2729 EOW 7-4-95โ HERE SIR.
โBob Martin badge 474 EOW 8-15-95โ HERE SIR
โDoug Knutson badge 3818 EOW 1-2-98โ HERE SIR.
โJuan Cruz badge 3111 EOW 12-9-98โ HERE SIR.
โSkip Fink badge 940 EOW 2-18-2000โ HERE SIR.
โBrett Buckmister badge 5548 EOW 3-21-2000โ HERE SIR.
โBruce Harrolle badge 5669 EOW 10-13-2008โ HERE SIR.
โChris Marano badge 6759 EOW 12-17-2009โ HERE SIR.
And finally, โTim Huffman badge 5430 EOW 5-6-13โ HERE SIR.
Louie then does a slow about face as the gates of Heaven open and in walks a young officer with a somewhat bewildered look on his face. Louieโs voice booms again as he orders โRIGHT HAND SALUTE!โ
The arms of 29 officers begin a slow rise to the brim of their hats as the young man, now with a slight smile on his face walks through the line of officers.
The 29 officers think to themselves, โthis young man could be my sonโ, or โthis young man could be my grandsonโ.
The young trooper reaches the end of the line and takes his place among these other heroes.
Their arms slowly drop from the brim of their hats.
Louieโs voice booms againโฆ โTyler Edenhofer badge 10449 EOW 7-25-18โ Tyler stands a little taller and responds, โHERE SIRโ
Louie dismisses the men and they all gather around Tyler to welcome him to this special place in Heaven.
Louie looks over the scene as a tear rolls down his cheek because he knows in his heart that this will not be the last time he assembles this group to welcome a new hero into their midst.
