Pictures from Phoenix and sometimes from the surrounding cities that make up the "Valley of the Sun"
Monday, February 8, 2010
Peace Officers Memorial
This memorial Statue is located near the State Capitol in Wesley Bolin Plaza. It pays tribute to peace officers in all lines of service and from all over the state who have died in the line of duty.
I have parked my car and walked from Wesley Bolin Plaza to the Capitol building dozens of times, but have never seen this statue. Let's hope that they never have to use the remainder of the granite panels.
I note that the first full panel took 39 years to fill, but the panel at the far right took only 13 years to fill. It appears that there is one panel between them that we cannot see that spanned 43 years. That would make the increase in peace officer fatalities since 1974 a very marked and sad trend.
A beautiful, sad and poignant statue. Sorry to say they will be adding another name soon, Lt.Eric Shuhandler of Gilbert who was shot and killed at a traffic stop on January 28, 2010. It always makes me think, with a son doing police work. Sharon, did you know that our grandfather S. was a Metropolitan Police Officer in Washington D.C.? I found a picture of him in uniform from 1919. I didn't know.
I have parked my car and walked from Wesley Bolin Plaza to the Capitol building dozens of times, but have never seen this statue. Let's hope that they never have to use the remainder of the granite panels.
ReplyDeleteI note that the first full panel took 39 years to fill, but the panel at the far right took only 13 years to fill. It appears that there is one panel between them that we cannot see that spanned 43 years. That would make the increase in peace officer fatalities since 1974 a very marked and sad trend.
A touching memorial. I like that Dave has looked and reflected so thoughtfully at and on this image.
ReplyDeleteI agree with brattcat, very thoughtful contemplation, Dave. And sadly, the list is growing too quickly.
ReplyDeleteI had not seen this statue. very nice
ReplyDeleteTributes to peace keepers are more than fair!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful, sad and poignant statue. Sorry to say they will be adding another name soon, Lt.Eric Shuhandler of Gilbert who was shot and killed at a traffic stop on January 28, 2010.
ReplyDeleteIt always makes me think, with a son doing police work.
Sharon, did you know that our grandfather S. was a Metropolitan Police Officer in Washington D.C.? I found a picture of him in uniform from 1919. I didn't know.
I put the picture on flickr if you want to see it. http://www.flickr.com/photos/29057762@N03/
ReplyDeletePeace officers? What's that — police, armed forces, both?
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely memorial though, and very striking against the blue sky. I truly hope the other panels won't be filled in fast.