It was a moment of remembrance, respect, and resolve as leaders, officers, and families gathered at Skinner Plaza in Hagatna to break ground on a memorial dedicated to Guam’s fallen law enforcement heroes.

On a sunny Tuesday afternoon, ground was broken for the Fallen Officers Memorial. For the past 30 years, the monument has been located in front of the old GPD Hagatna Precinct and honors law enforcement officers who've died in the line of duty and an annual ceremony is held during Police Week in May.  "During this time, fallen officers are remembered, their names read, and flowers are placed by family members on the monument," explained Chief of Police Stephen Ignacio, "symbolizing courage and sacrifice for the island's safety."

Ignacio says that because of it's importance, there has been a push to erect a new monument. "Several years when he was chair for the Finance Committee, I approached Senator Joe San Agustin, and I had a discussion with the governor and lieutenant governor, that as we look at the overall picture for the greater deveolpment of the Hagatna area, I knew the time was coming short for the monument in its current place. And sooner or later it would have to be replaced," he added.

Senator San Agustin was able to appropriate a half-million dollars for this important project. Chief Ignacio says GPD may have many projects but this memorial is very dear to the department, saying, "To honor those officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, and every year its an opportunity to gather with their family and friends to remember they made the ultimate sacrifice. And they are the ones we should remember."

This monument is a symbol of their sacrifice, as the chief added, "We hope this captures the essence of what this monument brings, in memory and in honor of the sacrifice of our fallen officers."