Honoring fallen officers

About 100 law enforcement, city and county officials and community members gathered Wednesday evening at Memorial Gardens Park to pay tribute and dedicate wreaths to officers who died in the line of duty.

The dedication, which had been postponed from Sept. 11 due to weather, honored five Odessa officers and one Ector County sheriff's deputy who were killed while serving the community.

The dedication, sponsored by American State Bank and the city parks department, will become a permanent part of the Sept. 11 tribute in following years, ASB senior vice president Linda Terrell said.

The most recent of those killed were Odessa police corporals Scott Gardner, Arlie "Lee" Jones and Abel Marquez. Members of those families were present for the ceremony.

Mayor Larry Melton said the tribute acts as more than a remembrance, but an acknowledgement to those who've lost their lives.

"These lives were not given in vain," he told attendees. "This tribute is a time when we all can give thanks for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice."

Attendee Janie Granath said first responders, like police officers, protect families and children and it's important to recognize fallen officers.

"It's just an honor to come and be a part of this ceremony," she said.

Granath's son, Luke Moore, was a part of a Troop 18 Boy Scout flag retirement ceremony following the wreath laying and a dedication of a memorial to the three officers. Troop 18 Boy Scout Chrys Rowden, 17, conducted and organized the patriotic event.

For some family members of the fallen officers, the entire ceremony showed a display of community backing.

"We know we have their support," Arlie "Lee" Jones' sister Colleen Smith said.

Sally Gardner, mother of Cpl. Scott Gardner, also expressed gratitude toward community members.

"We appreciate everything the citizens of Odessa have done," Gardner said.

The Marquez family declined to comment following the ceremony.

Ceremony Honorees

>> Odessa Cpl. Abel Marquez, who died Sept. 12, 2007.

>> Odessa Cpl. Arlie "Lee" Jones, who died Sept. 8, 2007.

>> Odessa Cpl. Scott Gardner, who died Sept. 8, 2007.

>> Odessa Officer Scott Smith, who died Feb. 6, 1988.

>> Odessa Cpl. G.T. Toal, who died Aug. 18, 1982.

>> Ector County sheriff's deputy Thad West, who died Feb. 27, 1958.