COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Hundreds gathered at America the Beautiful Park Friday morning for the 17th annual Pikes Peak Regional Law Enforcement Memorial hosted by the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD).
The event honors local law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the Pikes Peak Region.
To date 27 men and women have lost their lives in the line of duty including 12 from CSPD and three from the El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPCSO).
"This really means a lot to see the community come together year after year, and it means a lot not just to my family but to the families of officers lost decades ago, just to see the community has not forgotten," Sgt. Jeff Jensen said.
Jeff Jensen's brother, CSPD officer Jared Jensen, was killed in February 2006 in the line of duty. Jeff Jensen said the loss of his brother will always be with him and his family.
"It never gets any easier, I think from the family perspective what is nice to see is the continued response," Jeff Jensen said.
In honor of Jared Jensen, and the 26 other law enforcement officers killed, the EPCSO presented a wreath made of blue and white flowers while the names of the men and women were read.
Jeff Jensen said the traditions associated with the memorial mean a lot to his family.
"Not only does it bring back a lot of memories, but for people who have never been to a law enforcement funeral they actually get to see what takes place," Jeff Jensen said.
Jeff Jensen said despite what his family has been through, he is still proud to be a member of CSPD. He said every day he witnesses his fellow law enforcement officers perform heroic actions, many of which go unnoticed.
"I can tell you after working here for 14 years we have some of the best officers in the nation," Jeff Jensen said.
Law enforcement agencies in the Pikes Peak Region are currently raising money to build a permanent memorial in American the Beautiful Park.
To learn more or to donate click here.
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