Friends of the Dallas Police held its annual awards ceremony Tuesday, but this year took a bittersweet and somber tone just months after the darkest days in department history.
Only the sounds of Amazing Grace could be heard as a video played for a room full of officers and their loved ones honoring the fallen five of July 7.
The tribute was followed by an emotional gathering of family members, each honored with a police cross for the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Many of the officers and civilians honored at the ceremony were there the night the department was changed forever.
"It sometimes doesn't even seem real," said Homicide Detective Eric Barnes, who was recognized for his work on the force.
He said he was humbled to be nominated but said the event is about the fallen.
"I actually thought about it tonight when I was driving from downtown," Barnes said. "It's tough anytime to lose coworkers, but especially in this line of work, everyone is close-knit because you work hand-in-hand with everybody."
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"It seemed surreal when it was happening," recalled senior police dispatcher Rene Lozano, who was awarded for maintaining composure on that dark night.
"It is for them, for every officer and every civilian who's behind the scenes and play a big role in this as well," he said of the recognition.
Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings said the officers maintained incredible composure in the days and months following the tragedy.
"When they have that pride in what they did, it makes them a better officer and they're not trying to prove themselves. I think for all the pain we've been through, our force is better today because of that," he said. "My greatest admiration came through our grieving process."
The man many call the pillar of strength through it all is former police chief David Brown, who offered symbolism through music.
"Baby, there ain't no valley high enough, Dallas, even in retirement. Ain't no valley low enough to keep me from you, I love you," said Brown.
