Second Annual ‘Law Enforcement Expo’ Gives Public Close-Up Look

Del Rio, Texas – More than 800 local residents turned out May 17, at the Del Rio Civic Center as area law enforcement professionals hosted displays, demonstrations, and hands-on interaction with some of the tools and equipment used to protect the public. 

The second annual Law Enforcement Expo, hosted in conjunction with National Police Week, also featured a fallen officer memorial, honoring those who gave their lives in the line of duty.

Rodolfo Karisch, Chief Patrol Agent, Del Rio Sector Border Patrol, told the audience during the memorial service that 163 U.S. law enforcement officers died in the line of duty last year – one every 53 hours.

“Every year, ceremonies are held in communities throughout this country dedicated to honoring and remembering the service and sacrifice of law enforcement,” Karisch said. “These are special individuals that run at and not away from danger.

“Keep the families of our fallen officers in your thoughts and in your prayers.” 

Following the fallen officer memorial, more than a dozen local, state and federal law enforcement agencies joined U.S. Border Patrol along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations and Office of Air and Marine, in giving visitors a close-up look at the tools of the trade.

On display were standard and specialized law enforcement vehicles, and horses for everyone to see, boats aircraft; along with demonstrations of equipment and specially trained canines.

"Law enforcement agencies must remain transparent while working to protect the public,” noted Chief Karisch. “Events like this are a good opportunity for the public to meet us and learn what we do and how we do it."

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.