Event to honor Houston-area law enforcement

By FLORI MEEKS
CHRONICLE CORRESPONDENT
When law enforcement officers from throughout the area gather May 1 to honor those who've fallen in the line of duty, they'd like community members to share the moment with them.
The tribute will be the focal point of the 16th annual Salute to Law Enforcement.
Lost in the line of duty
At 11 a.m., the salute's opening ceremony will feature a performance of Amazing Grace" on bagpipes and a moment of silence before participants read the names of Houston-area law enforcement officers who've died in the line of duty since 2000.
The salute will take place in the west parking lot of Willowbrook Mall, FM 1960 and Texas 249, and inside the building. Opening ceremonies will be held in the Dillard's court.
Prior to the ceremony, at 10:30 a.m., will be a drum line process at the Sears entrance to the mall. Organizers have invited the salute's 2010 Local Hero award recipients to participate.
The heroes are law enforcement professionals and first responders who were nominated for recognition by the community.
What to expect
Relatively new to the salute is the fire truck pull, now in its fourth year. During the competition, teams of 10 will see which can pull a 27,000-pound fire truck the furthest. The cost is $30 per person, and proceeds will support the pull sponsor, Special Olympics Texas.
At noon, skydivers are expected to land at the site, carrying American and Texas flags.
During DNA Life Print Child Safety Day, parents can assemble materials intended to increase the chances of quickly recovering a missing child.
Children will receive free biometric fingerprinting, a high-resolution digital photograph, a home DNA identification kit and a child safety journal. Also in the works is an Apache helicopter display. The salute also will feature 10 other helicopters, mobile command centers, K-9 units, horses, rescue vehicles, SWAT equipment, motorcycles, boats, fire-fighting equipment, protective gear and investigative tools.