PHOENIX - The 20th annual Officer Memorial Ceremony took place Monday morning at Arizona Department of Public Safety headquarters in Phoenix.
From 1958 to 2013, 29 AZDPS officers have died in the line of duty.
"We will never forget them. We will never forget their memories and we will certainly never forget their families," said Sgt. Jimmy Chavez, Arizona DPS.
"These brave heroes were taken from us all too soon as they served and protected others from harm," said Governor Doug Ducey.
"These men were all heroes in their own rights. Their lives were taken in the violence of policing," said Colonel Frank Milstead, Director AZDPS
Every year, friends and family gather as one family.
"It is our duty to never forget the sacrifice of these 29 men. It is also our duty to keep their family within our family, the DPS family," said Sgt. Chavez.
From a roll call, to a flyover and seven-gun salute, the emotional ceremony speaks to the danger of the job.
"When it comes to danger, others run from it. Troopers run toward it," said Governor Ducey.
"It's a violent occupation and it involves risk every day. Officer safety is number one. We will press on and continue to provide world class police service to the state of Arizona. We will treasure these moments and at the end of the day, we know we have each other," said Colonel Milstead.
This memorial site will allow future generations to forever honor the 29 fallen troopers.
"To officers past, a tribute, to officers present, a reminder, to officers yet to come, a legacy," said Sgt. Chavez.