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Mesquite: Police move memorial to new building
By Ann Marie Shambaugh, Staff Writer
The new Mesquite police department building opened in March, but one crucial item didn’t make the move until Friday.
Rows of law enforcement personnel stood at attention as two officers carefully carried the memorial that honors fallen police officers to its new home. In the 56 years of the department’s existence, Travis Williams is the only officer to die in the line of duty.
Williams died at the age of 28 on Sept. 23, 1974, after exchanging fire with a burglar at a gas station. Police arrested Anderson Hughes when he sought treatment for an injury sustained during the gunfire. A judge sentenced Hughes to death, but his sentence was later commuted to life in prison.
Members of the Williams family sat in the front row as the police department honored its fallen hero. Donald Williams said his big brother always looked out for him, and he appreciates the police department keeping his memory alive.
“It means a whole lot,” Donald Williams said. “The police department just keeps on giving and showing recognition for Travis and support for the family.”
Although 35 years have passed since tragedy, Police Chief Derek Rohde promised that the department will continue to honor Williams’ legacy.
“I vow here today that he will never be forgotten,” Rohde said.
The memorial will rest in a special area behind the police department.
The ceremony also included remarks and a proclamation from the mayor, who proclaimed Friday as Police Officer Travis Williams Day. Investigator Don Phillips sang as officers placed the memorial in its new home, and a local pastor gave an invocation and benediction.
The service took place during National Police Week, which runs from May 10 to 16. Police departments across the country honored their fallen comrades at various events throughout the week.
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