Mayor Johnson’s 2023 Dallas Police Memorial remarks
DALLAS — Mayor Eric L. Johnson delivered the following remarks on Tuesday during the 2023 Dallas Police Memorial ceremony.
For almost four years now, I have had the honor of serving as the 60th mayor of Dallas. Since the beginning of my tenure, I have remained steadfast in my position that we must put public safety first.
The primary responsibility of city government is to protect its citizens. Without an environment in which residents feel secure, our city’s other objectives are irrelevant. We should and must continue to leverage every available tool we have to achieve our goal of becoming the safest large city in America.
I am keenly aware, however, of the privileged position from which I sit and evaluate our progress toward achieving this goal. I know that behind the data sets, the trend lines, and the PowerPoint presentations are the brave men and women of the Dallas Police Department. Men and women who — just like you and me — have families and friends, interests and hobbies, hopes and dreams.
We speak often about “duty” as it relates to officers. Yes, without a doubt, each officer works every day to fulfill his or her duty as outlined in the department’s mission statement — a seemingly impossible charge to “protect the lives and property of all citizens.”
But — let us not forget — that our officers are not obligated to assume this duty. It is a choice. And in response to their choice, there is no amount of gratitude that I — and all Dallas residents — can express to our officers that will ever feel adequate.
On this solemn occasion, we pay tribute to one hero in particular who died in the aftermath of his choice to selflessly guard and protect our city. In 1972, Sergeant Claude Standridge and his partner stopped a car that had been involved in two hit and runs. The driver, who was a wanted criminal in Oklahoma, shot Sergeant Standridge three times in the abdomen, neck, and face. Following this senseless shooting, Sergeant Standridge battled for his life for 26 years before he died in 1998.
We mourn this incalculable loss alongside a family forever changed by this savage attack. We honor Sergeant Standridge’s sacrifice and his commitment to the department’s mission — a sacrifice and a commitment for which our city will never be able to repay him or his loved ones.
On behalf of my family and the 1.3 million people who live in this city, I want to thank Sergeant Standridge’s family and the families of all the fallen officers already memorialized on this structure who are here with us today.
We love you, we are grateful for you, and we offer you our unwavering support — always. Your presence here is a reminder that — amid the unpredictability, chaos, and evil in our world — we have the power to choose how we show up for those we love.
May God bless the City of Dallas and the Dallas Police Department. May we never forget the sacrifices that our brave officers make in service to us all.
I now officially proclaim Monday, May 15, as Police Memorial Day and this week as Police Week in the City of Dallas.
Thank you again.
