(Seguin) — Local law officers stood side by side Tuesday afternoon in a shared commitment to honor the fallen.
The Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office and the Seguin Police Department held a joint memorial service at the Seguin Coliseum to remember the 147 law enforcement officers across the country who died in the line of duty in 2024. The solemn ceremony focused on the 19 lives lost in Texas – a number more than any other state.
The ceremony, held in observance of National Police Week and National Peace Officers Memorial Day, also brought together the Seguin Fire Department as well as members of the public.
For years, the memorial service was held exclusively at the sheriff’s office. But as the event grew in scope and significance, Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray felt it was important to extend the hosting opportunity to the Seguin PD.
“I pray it never happens, but it could be one of us someday. That’s part of us going into this profession that that danger is out there so I think it’s important that we come together and during these moments, honor those who came before us,” said Ray.
During the event, Sheriff Ray spoke about the burden and courage that often comes with this particular career. He says it not only serves as a remembrance but as a reminder to stay strong.
“I have two points to make here. We signed up to be warriors. We got into this profession to make that stop, to charge into that classroom, to run into gun fire, and to do what others are not willing to do. This is our cross to bear in the absolute worst of times when everything else goes to hell. Each and every one of you are heroes and I am proud to stand amongst you. That’s point one,” said Ray. “Point two, take care of your families. Once it’s over, it’s over. Heaven forbid that anything ever happens to any of us in this community, but when or if it does, go to heaven knowing you were the best father, mother, son, daughter, brother, or sister you could possibly be. Don’t get caught up in the small stuff that doesn’t matter. Spend time with your family. Love on them, like there is no tomorrow. Never, let there be any doubt where their place is in your life.”
Seguin Police Chief Jason Brady also shared messages with the audience. He too echoed the sentiment of the occasion, grounding the ceremony with a bit of local history.
“For example, 28-C5 – if you got to that location on the wall in Austin on the capitol grounds, you will find Detective Joe Carrillo, a Seguin Police Officer who gave his life for this city, for his community. His end of watch was July 20, 1975. He actually incurred a gunshot would earlier and died on that date. To our knowledge that is the only Seguin Officer to die in the line of duty,” said Brady.
Brady also underscored the importance of remembrance. He says officers are reminded daily of the sacrifices that are made.
“Sometimes, you don’t know them. You go to represent your agency just out of respect to represent your department. Other times, it’s somebody you knew. Sometimes, it’s somebody you knew very well, maybe your partner. And, we say we will never forget, and we mean it and that’s why we continuously need services like this, said Brady.
Included in the ceremony was the reading of the Law Enforcement Honor Roll and their End of Watch, which this year lists the 19 officers whose lives were lost in Texas. As each name was read, Officer Stephanie Larrimore of the Seguin Police Department stood by lighting a candle in their memory. Others who took part in the ceremony included Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen, Guadalupe County Commissioner Pct. 4 Stephen Germann, Lt. Zachary McBride and Marcus Bigott, pastor of Emanuel’s Lutheran Church.
