23 fallen police officers honored at Wake County law enforcement memorial ceremony

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Many gathered Monday morning to honor fallen officers in Wake County as part of National Police Week.

Raleigh Police Department held a memorial ceremony for 23 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. It started at 10:30 a.m. at Hayes Barton Baptist Church in Raleigh.

Tears were shed as Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe read off the names of those officers. Along with an array of flowers, a 21-gun salute and the playing of 'taps' followed the reading of names.

Among those recognized are Gabriel Torres, one of five people killed in Raleigh's mass shooting in 2022, and Wake County Sheriff's Deputy Ned Byrd.

"Those of us who are still standing have a responsibility and an awesome privilege of carrying the legacy of each of the fallen officers by fulfilling what they all loved so dearly and that was serving their community," Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson. "Let us leave today with renewed energy and a desire to give a little bit more for the betterment of the whole."

Several events will be held in Raleigh during National Police Week, organized by the Raleigh Police Department Foundation. The non-profit raised $4.3 million to help RPD.

"We are here to help with the mission of giving back to the Raleigh Police Department," Brenda Gibson, the board chair of the foundation, said, "through innovation and technology, community outreach, equipment and training that they may need that the city budget doesn't provide."

Many churches and businesses are showing their appreciation for the police. Some are even lit in blue. You can also see "thank you" billboards at four locations along the Raleigh beltline.

Patterson shared with ABC11 how everyone can get involved.

"Any time you see a police officer. Take a moment just to thank them for the work that they're doing," she said. "Start a conversation with them so that you can talk about whatever issues are important to you. And they can tell you the work that we're doing in the community to make an impact."

Later Monday, Patterson announced a federal grant worth $629,000. The money will go toward modernizing the police department's real-time crime center.