To the fallen officers' family.

We hope that we never have to do it, but unfortunately, that's not the world that you live in.

So at this time, I would like to read this plaque and present it to Kimberley.

It's a hero's welcome by Rob Robert Longley.

Time to come home, dear brother.

Your tour of duty through.

You've given as much as anyone could be expected to.

Just a few steps further, the smoke will start to clear.

Others here will guide you.

You have no need to fear.

You have not failed your brothers.

You clearly gave it all.

And through your selfless actions, others will hear the call.

So take your place of honor among those who have gone before, and know you will be remembered for now and evermore.

You have not failed your brothers.

You clearly gave it all.

And through your selfless actions, others will hear the call.

So take your place of honor among those who have gone before, and know you will be remembered for now and evermore.

Families behind the badge proudly dedicated to this softball tournament and beloved memory of police officer Brian Laura, badge number 602, Pisake Police Department, end of watch, April 29th, 2024.

May his dedication to his community be an inspiration to all.

Please accept this on behalf of all of us here today.

Good morning, everybody.

I just want to express uh my deepest gratitude to everyone who showed up today in honor of my husband.

Thank you so much.

I can't I can't say anything else, but thank you.

Thank you, Mayor, again.

Uh Mayor Laura, the mayor from uh Woodland Park.

Thank you so much for uh being here and uh supporting us.

I want to call up the mayor.

I want to call up Deputy Gentile and bring me something.

Be specific, just bring me something.

Yes.

No, no, I don't know if you guys have been honored.

But you really deserve it for all the hard work you've done.

These things, these things aren't easy.

Um, so from the Passate Police Department and uh and Mayor Laura's uh office.

I'm gonna read what it says.

I have counsel councilman Vinny's uh plaque here, and it says, in deep appreciation and recognition for your unwavering support and dedicated commitment to the entire law enforcement community, the city of Passake, along with the Passaic Police Department, remains eternally grateful for your heartfelt tribute to one of our fallen officers.

The law enforcement community has no greater treasure than the love and support that families behind the badges provide during the most difficult and challenging times.

Your commitment to those who serve and protect is a beacon of strength and inspiration.

It is an honor to stand together united with you in remembrance of our fallen heroes presented this seventh day of June 2025.

Mayor Laura signs it and I signed it.

Officer Brian Laura and the watch, April 29th, 2024.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

I will treasure this forever.

This will be one of my most treasured things that I've ever had the honor of receiving.

When I I can't thank you enough for this.

Thank you.

I'm a soft and I'm usually trying off.

At this time, I'm gonna call up Hector Lauro, say a couple remarks and the parental.

Thank you.

First, I want to express my deep appreciation, obviously, Mayor, Councilman Caitlin, all of the council members, your support, all of the officers are here representing, all who are participating in the games.

Chief Guzman alluded to this.

Uh Brian Laura was that guy that you would enjoy sitting down with.

He would be there to support you, back him up.

You want to honor him today.

Uh I don't want to take away from the words earlier, but be competitive.

He was a competitive guy.

He would have came out no matter the reason they were out.

He would have played his heart out.

So play your heart out because he would love that.

I want to take this opportunity to share that on behalf of our entire family.

I have my brother, Manuel Laura here, Jorge Laura, um, my nephews who are also officers, police officers, our entire family, Kim and her family.

This means so very much.

Over the years, it becomes very difficult to come to ceremonies like this.

You almost feel like you're reliving the pain.

But to be able to share that hurt, to be around people that understand that the life of every officer means so very much.

The impact changes communities, saving lives, protecting lives.

I consider that we are acknowledging falling officers today and over the last nine years, Mayor.

And the best way to acknowledge fallen officers is to lift up their names, their services, and their families and let them know that you're not just behind the badge, you're behind their family and them every single day.

And that means the very world.

You work so hard to make sure that everyone got jerseys.

We wanted to make sure that everyone got class.

We wanted to make sure that Brian is remembered.

We want to make sure that all the family members are there.

Thank you for your leadership and your commitment and your heart always for service.

I'll conclude because I know that it's gonna rain, but um, mayor, nine years in a row.

Honoring fallen officers, no matter where they're from.

The city of Passake will never forget this.

I have known you since my very first opportunity to run.

I have uh run with you and uh councilmen together.

You guys are amazing.

Your heart, your character, your leadership, your vision, your selfless dedication to use your platform to ensure that others are remembered along with your colleagues.

That is what this is truly all about.

Thank you so very much.

God bless you for all that you do.

I've been asked to do an invitation, so if we can uh bow our heads, just Lord Heavenly Father, we come together first and foremost to thank you.

Because no matter the circumstances, it is right that we pause and express gratitude for you are good in all your ways.

We thank you for all that we see and those things that sometimes we take for granted because we get so busy that we miss.

We thank you that each and every one of us woke up this morning and that we're here today, because if that alone was the only thing we could identify, it would be reason enough to give you glory.

But there are so many reasons.

We thank you for our families, for our friends.

We thank you for this ceremony where we can acknowledge and remember the life of Brian and Laura, of every officer that has fallen and all their families, because no officer serves alone.

We ask that you would dispense special grace, that you would fill with comfort, joy, peace, and encouragement to all those who still heard.

We ask that you send your angels to protect all of our officers, not just here, but around our nation and all those who serve, especially our men and women in uniform around the world.

We ask that you would bless this game and all the activities that take place today, and then in one way or another, whether in our exchanges competitive or not, and smiling or maybe just encouraging one another and putting an arm around someone's shoulder and saying, Hey, I'm glad that you're here.

That in some way in our lives and every day that we continue forward, we can honor you.

Because the best expression of our faith to honor you is how we treat others.

We give you glory and praise, and I pray this in Jesus' name, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Thank you, Mayor.