Gilbert honors officers killed while serving the community

GILBERT, AZ - Every day, men and women risk their lives to protect us. They are our police officers, paramedics, firefighters, and more.

In Gilbert Saturday night, the community came together to remember and honor those who have died to keep the community safe.

"We refer to all these people, especially in Gilbert as an extended family. We're all family to each other," Police Chief Tim Dorn said of the huge crowd that gathered for the ceremony.

Dozens of Gilbert’s finest came in a show of force and sign of respect for those who gave their lives serving the people of Gilbert.

Officers, families, Mayor John Lewis and more than 100 others came to remember Lt. Eric Shuhandler, Officer Rob Targosz and others who died in the line of duty.

A statue erected in front of the Gilbert police station was built in memory of Officer Targosz. He was killed by a drunk driver. His widow, Brigitte Targosz, said families of officers, firefighters, and military service members carry a tremendous emotional weight.

"It's not easy to watch them walk out the door. Honestly, it's not. I would have rather Rob did something else, but this is what he wanted to do. This was his destiny in life," Brigitte said.

It might be just an annual, one evening event marked with candles, but to families like Brigitte's it means a lot.

"It's good for people to know that you're being thought of, and your loved ones are not being forgotten and their sacrifice was not in vain," she said.

The ceremony started in 2007 on the one year anniversary of Officer Targosz’s death.

The 100 Club of Arizona is an organization that supports the families of fallen officers. Making a donation to the 100 Club helps those who have had a loved one die in the line of duty.