Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has asked that officers on patrol around the state turn on their vehicles' flashing lights for a minute as the funeral service for slain Harris County Deputy Darren Goforth began at 11 a.m. Friday.
"Respect and pride in our law enforcement must be restored in this state and nation," said Governor Abbott. "It is time to unite in solidarity to support the men and women who serve and protect our communities. I ask that communities across Texas support this cause for unity and remember the essential role that law enforcement plays in keeping Texas safe and strong."
Many departments are asking citizens to wear blue in solidarity.
North Texans Back the Blue
Dozens of North Texas police departments plan to participate in the observance -- below are their plans.
Arlington: We have authorized our officers to participate but have instituted some procedures -- officers can turn their overhead lights on if they are stationary in a parking lot or on the side of the road. This way motorists will not be confused by the 60-second honor.
The Colony: @DFW_Alerts CAC tweeted photos of The Colony Police Department's observance.
Dallas: The Dallas Police Department will be participating in Governor Abbott's Red and Blue Light initiative to honor Deputy Darren Goforth. Dozens of officers boarded buses to Houston to attend the funeral.
Dallas County Sheriff's Department: Dallas Sheriff squads will be lining up today on the Margaret Hunt Bridge at 10:45 a.m. to honor Deputy Goforth at 11 a.m. with lights on.
"It's a great honor. These officers volunteered their time to go," Dallas Police Association President Ron Pinkston said. "Some of these officers were put on special assignment, so the Department wanted to pay their respects."
Denton: At 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4, our officers will observe a moment of silence by turning on the red and blue lights on our squad cars.
Denton - UNT Police: UNT Police Department squad cars will arrive at the Apogee Stadium parking lot along the I-35E service road at 10:50 a.m. and news media are welcome.
Farmers Branch: Officers with the Farmers Branch Police Department will be answering Texas Governor Greg Abbott's call to 'Stand with Law Enforcement in Texas,' on Friday, Sept. 4 at 11 a.m. "With the negative image of law enforcement being perpetuated by small groups it is time for the silent majority to speak up and support the brave, dedicated men and women who put their lives on the line everyday," said Farmers Branch Police Chief Sid Fuller. Farmers Branch officers will be parking their vehicles in a prominent location to activate their lights at 11 a.m. Many will line the front of the Farmers Branch Justice Center at 3723 Valley View Lane.
Flower Mound: Officers with the Flower Mound Police Department tweeted the following photos from their observance.
Fort Worth Fire: Officers with the Fort Worth Fire Department tweeted the following photos from their observance.
Frisco: The Frisco Police and Fire Departments will be participating in Gov. Abbott's "Call to Action" to stand with Law Enforcement on Friday 09/04/2015 at 11 a.m.
Frisco: @DFW_Alerts CAC tweeted photos of the Frisco Police Department's observance.
Garland: Officers with the Garland Police Department tweeted the following photos from their observance.
Glenn Heights: Glenn Heights Police Department The Police Department will be taking part in a moment of honor for Deputy Goforth and all law enforcement per the request of the governor. The agenda for our event is as follows:
- 10:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. - Assemble in front of the Police Department (550 East Bear Creek Rd.)
- 11 a.m. - Call from Police Chief for all red and blue lights to be turned on for one minute.
- A word of prayer will follow.
- Dismissal.
Grand Prairie: Officers with the Grand Prairie Police Department tweeted the following photos from their observance.
Haltom City: At 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4, the Haltom City Police Department in conjunction with the North Richland Hills Police Department, Haltom City Fire Department, Medstar, Watauga Police Department, and the Richland Hills Police Department, will participate in an observance of supporting our fellow law enforcement officers that have lost their lives in the line of duty, and to show support for law enforcement nationwide. This demonstration of support will take place on the bridges of Interstate 820 between Haltom Rd and Rufe Snow in Haltom City. The emergency vehicles participating in this event will activate their emergency overhead lights for one minute during this time. The citizens wishing to show their support for law enforcement are invited to stop by the Haltom City Police Department to receive a blue ribbon of support, which they can have tied to their vehicle.
Hurst: Sept. 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., "Back the Blue" supporters will be at the Hurst Police Department giving out blue ribbons! They will be positioned on the north side of the new Criminal Justice Center located at 825 Thousand Oaks Drive, near the City Hall complex, able to provide ribbons upon request from the curb line.
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Irving: At 11 a.m. squad cars will line up in the front parking lot of Irving Police HQ to mark the beginning of HCSO Deputy Goforth's funeral. We will answer Governor Abbot's call to support Texas Law Enforcement by turning on the overhead red and blue lights for one minute. A radio call will mark the beginning and end of the one minute period and only urgent calls for service will be dispatched during that time.
MedStar Ambulance: As a demonstration of support of Harris County Deputy Darren Goforth, and all our law enforcement brethren, MedStar and area Law Enforcement Agencies be participating in the RED & BLUE FLASHING LIGHT SUPPORT. All MedStar vehicles not on a call, will pause in a safe, but visible location and turn on our emergency lights for 1 minute today at 11 a.m. We will also simultaneously observe 1 minute of radio silence. An audio file of the announcement will be available on request. Multiple MedStar units not deployed in the field will also be staged in front of our headquarters at 2900 Alta Mere Drive starting at 10:45 for the 11 a.m.display and moment of silence.
Murphy: Emma Ann Guillen, a 9 year old resident of Murphy who has a history of fundraising (Founder of Emma Ann's Gifts) for good causes will be there to sell blue ribbons in support for the Murphy Police Department, with the proceeds being split 50/50 between the officers and her charity.
North Richland Hills: Our agency wants to honor Deputy Goforth but also the others that have made the ultimate sacrifice serving their communities. We want to show our support to all the men and women who serve as part of the law enforcement family. These individuals go to work every day to serve a community with honor, respect and professionalism. In addition to turning on the emergency lights on our police vehicles, we will be releasing 200 blue balloons in front of our City Hall at 11 a.m. on Friday. The North Richland Hills Police will be giving out blue ribbons on Friday, Sept. 5, at 9 a.m. to any individuals that would like to place the ribbons on their vehicles. We encourage everyone to come by and pick up a ribbon at the North Richland Hills Police Department.
Rockwall: Rockwall CO S.O. will flash their lights with patrol cars parked at the county courthouse.
Texas Game Warden: Texas Game Wardens tweeted the following photos from their observance at the Texas Capitol Building.
