YPD officers are recognized for National Police Week

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - This week is National Police Week which comes during a time when frontline workers are needed most.

National Police Week was created to honor fallen heroes and those who serve our community. The Yuma Police Department (YPD) officers put their lives on the line everyday to protect the safety of the citizens in Yuma.

Yuma has show their appreciation by delivering hand-made cards with thoughtful messages. President of Fraternal Order of Police, Eric Egan, is thankful for the supportive community.

"We're fortunate enough here in the Yuma area that we serve an outstanding community because they support us a lot," said Egan.

Officer Aaron Mrofka with YPD says the appreciation is meaningful and it's an honor to know their work doesn't go unnoticed.

"We do everything we can to make our community safer, and the community really reaches out to us," said Mrofka. "As we're speaking now, there's stacks of cards sitting in the police lobby for us and people bring all kinds of stuff to appreciate us and it makes you feel real good."

Officer Mrofka also says community recognotion is what makes the job worthwhile, but the ultimate success of his job is when he has the opportunity to save someone's life.

"There's been several occasions where I've shown up to drive-by shootings or someone that's been hurt badly and I've actually applied tourniquets or put my hand over someone and saved their lives," said Mrofka. "A minute or two is what's save these people's lives, and if you can get there in time to save them, that really makes you feel good about what you're doing."

A community-driven mindset seems to be the trend. Officer Richard Kral with YPD agrees that he aims to keep Yuma safe from crime.

"I'm a big believer in helping people. I like putting bad guys away." said Kral. "I believe we're here to serve the community and do what we can to make the community a better place."

The new memorial was completed a few days ago and features the 34 officers that lost their lives in the line of duty.

Officer Egan created the idea to carry on the tradition of honoring those officers who have dedicated their lives to serving the community. Althought there won't be an in-person ceremony this year, the meaning behind the memorial will always stand to honor those officers.

"The history of the Yuma Lodge holding a peace officer memorial service for the past 44 years, it's given us a unique opportunity to come out and remember and honor the fallen officers in the Yuma area communities," said Egan.

The ceremony will be held via Facebook live on Friday at 7 p.m. and an in-person ceremony will take place at the new memorial sometime in the fall.