Orange County law enforcement honored in memorial ceremony

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - It was a solemn night in front of the Orange County Courthouse, where 48 lives lost were remembered and honored, all of those officers killed in the line of duty in Orange County over the years.

But, it wasn’t just officers who were killed who were remembered. It was also officers who died of natural causes, and officers and deputies who were seriously injured. 

The Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon also honored Officer Kevin Valencia who was injured last year in the line of duty. 

“To the families, I hope you find comfort knowing everyone honored tonight is a hero, a true hero. They accepted this calling because they loved what they did. They accepted this calling because they proved they could do the job. They accepted this job because the citizens in the world needed them,” said Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon.

The Orange County Law Enforcement Memorial is held in Orlando every year.

Coming up on May 15 is the National Peace Officers Memorial Day.