Midland police to have memorial service Thursday

MIDLAND The Midland Police Department will have its annual Peace Officer's Memorial Service at 3 p.m. Thursday at the Claydesta Center at 6 Desta Drive in Midland, city Public Information Officer Tina Jauz said in a news release.

The service, which coincides with National Law Enforcement Week, will honor 14 Texas peace officers who were killed in the line of duty between May 1, 2008 and April 30.

It will also pay tribute to late Midland police Lt. Gordon Smith Jr. and officers John Wyrick and Bryan Scoggins, who were also killed while on duty during the years between 1935 and 1961.

Officers and deputies from several area law enforcement agencies will participate in the service.