Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation Attends National Night Out

Dallas, Texas - On October 1, 2019, Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation and Sergeant Demetrick Pennie accompanied the Dallas Police Department in attending National Night Out. 

National Night Out is an annual neighborhood-based crime prevention initiative that gives communities across the country an opportunity to show their neighborhood spirit and strengthen partnerships with local police departments. National Night Out was designed to heighten crime prevention awareness, increase neighborhood support and unite communities. 

Last year was the 36th anniversary of National Night Out. The event was celebrated by hundreds of thousands of people across the United States in all fifty states including U.S. territories and military bases. Community members hosting block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts, and safety seminars to help facilitate the effort. 

Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation donated first aid kits to community groups and Sergeant Pennie talked to the students about the importance of community service, safety, and support for community policing. 

Learn more about the Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation at:

www.dallasfof.org

Remembering Dallas Police Officers Killed in the Line of Duty

A nationally recognized commentator on issues related to law enforcement, Demetrick Pennie serves as a Dallas police sergeant. He is also the president of the Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation and the executive director of the Texas Fallen Officer Foundation. In these roles, Demetrick Pennie advocates for law enforcement and for the families of officers killed in the line of duty. Last July, members of the Dallas community had the opportunity to participate in several events for five officers who were killed in an ambush during a peaceful protest.

On July 7, 2016, approximately 800 people gathered in the El Centro College area of Dallas to protest the killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, shot by police in incidents in other states. Some 100 police officers were assigned to provide security at the otherwise peaceful event. In an ambush-style shooting, the officers - Lorne Ahrens, Patrick Zamarripa, Michael Krol, Michael Smith, all of the Dallas Police Department, and DART officer Brent Thompson - were killed. To mark the second anniversary of the killings, several events were held. 

-The Dallas Police Department paid tribute to the fallen officers with a service of prayer and song. Various faith leaders from the community participated in the event. It concluded with a moment of silence and the release of white balloons in memory of the victims.

-Over 300 motorcyclists participated in a ride to remember the police officers. All proceeds were donated to the families of fallen officers.

-The Run for the Blue was a 5K event that also supported the families of those who have died in the line of duty. 

Plans are in place to erect a monument to the fallen officers outside the Dallas Police Department headquarters.