Dallas Police Awards Banquet honors fallen, injured officers

Dallas police officers were honored at an awards banquet Tuesday night that brought back former Police Chief David Brown as well as the interim chief and mayor.

The families of the fallen officers and the injured officers from July's downtown ambush attack were honored as well.

Everything about this year is different for Dallas Police. The officers who were killed were not forgotten at this year's Friends of the Dallas Police Awards Banquet.

Families of the four fallen Dallas police officers and the fallen DART officer were given police crosses.

The nine Dallas police, DART and El Centro College officers who were injured during the July 7 attack were also recognized.

"It just makes you appreciate life just a little bit more,” said Homicide Detective Eric Barnes, who was named Detective of the Year. "To know that people in the community actually appreciate the work that you do, it goes a long way because there are a lot of tough days, and days like this help."

Mayor Mike Rawlings has already said so much commending the department. He shared what made him most proud - the grieving process.

"I thought we would see bitterness – I didn't see it,” he explained.

And Former Chief David Brown appeared on stage to a standing ovation and finished his remarks about how much he loves the department in his trademark way – with words from a song.

"Ain't no mountain high enough to keep me from you, Dallas,” Brown said.

Interim Chief David Pughes also shared how proud he is of the department, saying that the best of the best were recognized.