Dallas police, families and survivors honor fallen officers in July 7 ambush – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

Sunday marked the eighth anniversary of the deadly ambush in downtown Dallas that left five police officers dead.

On July 7, 2016, a peaceful demonstration downtown was nearing its end when an armed man got out of his SUV and opened fire on uniformed police officers, killing five people, including four DPD officers and a DART police officer.

A large group of protesters dispersed as police ran in the direction where the shots were heard.

The officers killed were Brent Thompson of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Police and four officers from the Dallas Police Department – ​​Michael Krol, Lorne Ahrens, Michael Smith and Patrick Zamarripa.

Nine other police officers and two civilians were injured in the attack, which ended after a tense standoff with the gunman.

“The events of July 7, 2016, changed the city of Dallas forever. They changed law enforcement,” Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia said Monday morning. “That night, they did what most could not do: They ran into danger to protect our city.”

Garcia and other members of the DPD, DART and El Centro Dallas College police departments gathered for a memorial ceremony organized by the father of the late DPD Officer Zamarripa.

“Pat was truly humble, generous, patient and kind,” Rick Zamarripa said during the event.

Those in attendance also recognized the selfless acts of others, such as DART bus driver Donald Washington.

“He drove here that night in a looted bus under gunfire, loaded it up and carried many people to safety,” said retired state police chief Rob Kyker.

Sergeant Bryan Shaw of El Centro Police was also present.

Shaw is one of nine police officers shot during the shooting. Despite his injuries, he continued to hunt for the shooter.

“Ladies and gentlemen, you meet many heroes, but here tonight is one who continues to serve here in El Centro, he still works here,” Kyker said.

Shaw, standing with his twin sons and wife Stephanie, received a standing ovation.

Although their loss is “still painfully felt,” Garcia said the department will forever honor its fallen by “treating people with respect, dignity and fairness and not being afraid of criminal elements. We honor our fallen and in turn carry on their legacy.”