Temple proclaims National Police Week; resident praises police response to nearby shooting

Mayor Timothy A. Davis read a proclamation declaring the week of May 2025 as National Police Week and May 15, 2025, as Peace Officers Memorial Day for the City of Temple.

The proclamation recited national figures included in the mayor's text: it said there are approximately 800,000 law enforcement officers serving in the U.S.; more than 24,000 officers have died in the line of duty historically; and that 345 officer names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in 2025, including 148 officers whose end-of-watch occurred in 2024.

Temple Police Chief (name not recorded in the transcript) thanked the council for the recognition and noted that four Temple officers have died in the line of duty: Deputy City Marshal Robert E. Hawkes (1889, gunfire), Lieutenant Walter A. Staley (June 26, 1962, gunfire), Police Officer James O'Brien (Nov. 21, 2003, motorcycle crash) and Police Officer David Camden (Sept. 14, 2007, motorcycle crash). The chief said two department representatives typically attend the candlelight vigil to escort families.

During the public-comment period earlier in the meeting, resident Alan Lyle described hearing multiple gunshots at a duplex near his block and praised the Temple Police Department’s response as swift and decisive, saying "within 15 minutes, over half a dozen police cars had responded and taped off the scene." Lyle said no one was hurt and thanked the department for its work. He concluded his remarks by urging turnout for an upcoming election, saying, "September 3 September May third is voting day. Please turn out and vote."

The transcript records no council action tied to the proclamation beyond the ceremonial recognition and the chief's remarks; no formal motions or votes were associated with the public comment.