Law enforcement leaders say fallen officers and their families will never be forgotten during memorial service.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Law enforcement agencies across the Coastal Bend gathered Thursday for the annual regional police memorial service honoring officers who died in the line of duty.

The ceremony, held during National Police Memorial Week, recognized fallen officers and the sacrifices made by both law enforcement and their families.

Corpus Christi Police Department Chief Mike Markle said the ceremony is an important reminder of the lasting impact left behind when an officer is killed in the line of duty.

“It’s not just the loss of the officer,” Markle said. “Children grow up without a dad or a mom, or somebody grows up without a son or daughter. It’s our obligation to remember them and say their names out loud.”

Nueces County Chief Deputy David Cook said the yearly memorial honors officers who gave their lives while serving and protecting their communities.

“We’re here to honor those that made the ultimate sacrifice and to remember their service and sacrifice and to honor their families as well,” Cook said. Both leaders said the ceremony also highlights the daily risks officers face every time they report for duty.

Cook said officers leave home each day without knowing if they will return.

“We pray that they will, and many times they do, but unfortunately we lose a few every year while in the line of duty,” Cook said.

Markle said despite challenges and criticism surrounding law enforcement nationwide, many officers continue serving their communities with dedication.

“The majority of officers go to work every day to do the right thing, day in and day out, knowing it could be their last day,” Markle said.

Officials also shared a message directly to the families of fallen officers, promising their loved ones will continue to be remembered.

“We will always remember and always honor their family members who sacrificed their lives in defense of their community,” Cook said. Markle added that families remain part of the law enforcement community forever.

“Once you’re in the family, you’re in the family,” Markle said.