FBI Phoenix Joins Arizona Law Enforcement Leaders in Honoring the Fallen

Every May, after National Police Week, Department of Justice agencies in Arizona gather to remember friends and colleagues who were killed.

Video Transcript

Sean Kaul, special agent in charge, FBI Phoenix: Hello. My name is Sean Kaul and I am the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office.

Cheri Oz, special agent in charge, DEA Phoenix Field Division: I’m Cheri Oz, DEA Phoenix Field Division special agent in charge.

Gabe Pinion, special agent in charge ATF Phoenix Field Division: I’m Gabe Pinon, special agent in charge of ATF Phoenix Field Division.

David Gonzales, U.S. Marshal, District of Arizona: And, I’m David Gonzales, U.S. Marshal for the District of Arizona.

Gonzales: Every May, after National Police Week, Department of Justice agencies in Arizona gather to remember our friends and colleagues who were killed as a direct result of an adversarial action or who gave their lives in the performance of a law enforcement duty.

Pinon: Although this year, we do not gather together because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we do celebrate their sacrifice and remember in solidarity.

Oz: The men and women we remember today were our colleagues and our friends. But to their friends and families, they were so much more.

Kaul: Sadly, this year, the FBI will add two new names to the wall of honor: Special Agent Nelson B. Klein Jr., and electronics technician William “Homer” Lewis.

Gonzales: The U.S. Marshals have one line of duty death. We are adding Supervisory Deputy Norman D. Merkel to our memorial wall.

Oz: This year, the DEA remembers Task Force officer Jorge Del Rio, of the Dayton (Ohio) Police Department.

Kaul: To the family, friends, and colleagues of our state, local, and tribal officers killed in the line of duty, we mourn these losses with you.

Oz: Their deaths are a tragic reminder of the dangers our dedicated law enforcement partners willingly face every day.

Gonzales: As we watch the names of our fallen federal officers scroll through, we remember these men and women who lived and died for something greater than self.

Pinion: Whether they left us in the last year or many years ago, they all gave their lives in service.

Oz: We can and will continue to come together each year to remember and reflect on the commitment of these brave men and women.

Kaul: We will honor and take inspiration from them as we continue the work they began.