Midland Mayor Lori Blong has expressed her solidarity with the law enforcement community during National Police Memorial Week, which is observed from May 12-18. In her statement, Blong expressed gratitude towards Midland City Secretary Marcia Bentley-German for representing her at the 2023-24 Police Memorial Service held at Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home in Odessa.
"During National Police Memorial week and always, I stand with our law enforcement community," said Blong, according to Facebook. "Thank you to those who currently serve in law enforcement, and deep gratitude and honor to the fallen and their families. Thank you will never be enough."
According to Midland Times, the service on May 9 was a collaborative effort between the Midland and Odessa police departments to honor their fallen colleagues. The tribute was not limited to local officers but extended to those throughout Texas who had lost their lives in the line of duty.
Mayor Blong referred to a Facebook post she made on May 15, where she mentioned being moved by Odessa Chief of Police Mike Gerke's remarks. She quoted Gerke as saying, "These officers are not just colleagues but family members, honored and cherished for their sacrifice."
The city of Midland issued a proclamation for the event, according to the mayor's post.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) states on its website that National Police Memorial Week is commemorated every May. This year marked its 36th annual candlelight vigil, which took place on May 13. The non-profit organization further noted that President John F. Kennedy declared May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and designated the calendar week within which May 15 falls as National Police Week.
Mayor Blong is a native of Midland who owns a small business and has previously served on the Midland City Council. She made history in November 2022 when she defeated former mayor Jimmy Morales in a three-way race, becoming Midland's first female mayor.