Family of fallen Phoenix police officer visit President Trump in Oval Office
May 15, 2017, 9:44 AM | Updated: 12:23 pm
(Twitter Photo)
(Twitter Photo)
PHOENIX — The family of a Phoenix police officer who was gunned down on duty met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday morning, when the nation officially began observance of National Police Week.
David Glasser’s widow, Kristen, their son and several Phoenix Police Department members visited with Trump while he signed the proclamation.
Glasser Family meets @POTUS this morning during #NationalPoliceWeek2017 pic.twitter.com/xy76YWiYWl
— Phoenix Police (@phoenixpolice) May 15, 2017
“I had the chance to spend time with Officer Glasser’s beautiful family. His wife, Kristen, and his 6-year-old son, Micah, who has my hat and is now with us,” Trump said.
David Glasser's son Micah & 81X squad. Micah's wearing the hat @POTUS tossed him during the presidential address #NationalPoliceWeek pic.twitter.com/cd7BRCEgzq
— Phoenix Police (@phoenixpolice) May 15, 2017
“Kristen and Micah, I know your beloved husband and father is looking down on you right now from heaven and he is so proud of you both. Thank you very much.”
Trump also designated May 15 as National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day. Earlier, he and Vice President Mike Pence addressed a crowd at the 36th annual service in Washington, D.C.
Glasser was shot May 18, 2015, while he was investigating a burglary call in Laveen, a part of southwest Phoenix. He died of his injuries the next day.
“Obviously, it’s a great honor but it’s a little bittersweet as well considering the price she had to pay to be there,” Phoenix police spokesman Alan Pfhol said of the Glasser family’s visit with the president.
A memorial mark recently went up in his honor in that neighborhood near 47th Avenue and Baseline Road.
In his proclamation, Trump said:
Last year, 118 officers died in the line of duty, and of those, 66 were victims of malicious attacks. These attacks increased by nearly 40 percent from 2015. This must end.
Glasser’s family was only part of a contingent in blue from Phoenix.
Police Chief Jeri Williams led an officers’ parade on Sunday in the nation’s capital, accompanied by the department’s honor guard and assistant chiefs.
Phx Police Chief Jeri Williams leading police parade in D.C. at #PoliceWeek2017 #fallenofficer #davidglasser pic.twitter.com/Cwoq1M9i8X
— Phoenix Police (@phoenixpolice) May 14, 2017
About 20 Phoenix police officers were in D.C. for the festivities.
Officers from Peoria rode their bikes to memorial as part of the Police Unity Tour.
#PoliceUnityTour2017 – DAY 3- RIDING INTO THE MEMORIAL – 😢😢 we thank you for your support! #peoriapoliceaz pic.twitter.com/Mq7Comx5dj
— Peoria Police (AZ) (@PeoriaAzPS) May 13, 2017
Detectives from Mesa Police were among the nominees for the National Association of Police Officers’ Top Cops Award.
KTAR’s Martha Maurer contributed to this report.
