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How to pay respects to all PHX fallen officers

Posted at 7:46 PM, May 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-27 10:06:20-04

It's a room filled with the faces of fallen Phoenix Police officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice. 

"We put our lives on the line and we never know when our trip to work is our last trip to work," said Commander Tracy Montgomery, Phoenix Police Honor Guard. 

And through the pain and the emotions felt by the families and their brothers and sisters in blue, a sense of tradition to honor the fallen helps in the healing.
 
"At the end of the day, what we really want is to remember our officers,” said Montgomery. 

For the 37 killed in the line of duty, their tribute started from the moment they took their last breath the officers body is never left alone.

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"We feel the urge to be with him," said Montgomery. 

So the officer's squad and closest friends take shifts until it's time to say goodbye. 

"I'm sure if he is looking down. Then he knows that he is guarded. He is being remembered and someone is always with him," said Montgomery.

The officer's face going up in the Phoenix police Museum. His name added to this cluster of battle streamers which go everywhere with the Honor Guard.

"We hope we will never have to add another one. It is hard. we home we never have to add another. it's solemn  when we do," said Montgomery.
 
The Honor Guard also does ceremonies for retired officers who have passed away and they participate in city events.

To pay your respects to all fallen officers, you can visit the Phoenix Police Museum at 1st Avenue and Jefferson.