The Fallen Officer Memorial at the Denver Police Department headquarters was vandalized with red paint Sunday night, prompting outrage from the local government.
According to KDVR Police Chief Robert White said the vandals were “disturbed individuals.” While no suspect information has been released.
“I really felt sick,” White said. “That memorial really represents the men and women who have given their lives serving this community. To deface it is just a dishonor to those individuals as well as to the men and women of this department and this community as a whole who support what we do each and every single day.”
“I am extremely saddened and angered by this despicable act…the defacing of Denver’s police memorial,” Mayor Michael Hancock said in a statement. “To show such utter disrespect for the people who have given their lives in the line of duty to protect ours is unconscionable. Chief White and the Police Department are working hard to determine who committed this crime and will hold them accountable.”
Executive Director of Public Safety Stephanie O’Malley stated “the sacred memorial represents dedicated Denver Police Officers lost too soon. It is cruel, disrespectful, and unlawful to debase this treasured permanent tribute to lost officers.”
The paint was washed away Monday morning.
In February 2015, two men in their 20s were arrested and faced felony charges for pouring red paint on the memorial. In October, the memorial -which is in the 1300 block of Cherokee Street- was spray painted with “F*** Cops.”
According to CBS4, Chief White believes the vandalism was done commemorate the one year anniversary of the previous incident involving paint-related vandalism. Since the first incident, permanent HALO cameras to monitor the site in addition to a trespassing law are now in effect during overnight hours.
Denver PD declined to comment any further on the matter.
