Remembering the Amarillo Police Officers We Lost Last Year

This week is National Police Week so if you happen to see a police officer, make sure you thank them.

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Police officers have a hard job, they put their lives on the line daily to keep our communities safe.  They have family and friends, yet they would give their life to save a stranger.

Did you know that Amarillo has lost 16 officers in the line of duty?  The number is 17 if you include the K9 officer that passed in the line of duty.

In the last year, we have lost 3 APD Officers while in the line of duty.

Corporal Mike Sanchez - End of Watch December 27, 2021

Cpl. Sanchez contracted COVID-19 in the line of duty and due to complications from COVID he died.  He served on the APD for 16 years.  At the time of his death Cpl. Sanchez was serving as an expert Traffic Crash Investigator.   Cpl. Sanchez was married and had 5 children.

Recently Chief Birkenfeld released a statement to the citizens of Amarillo stating that if you are caught street racing you would lose your car.  Cpl. Sanchez helped in taking down one of the persons who was involved in street racing in Amarillo.  You can read more about this story here.

Sergeant Michael Dunn - End of Watch October 22, 2021

Sgt. Dunn contracted COVID-19 in the line of duty and passed due to complications.  He served the Amarillo Police Department for 21 years. At the time of his death, he was a Detective with the Homicide Unit.  He was also a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran.     Sgt. Dunn was married with four children.

Sergeant Raquel Saunders - End of Watch October 13, 2021

Sgt. Saunders contracted COVID-19 while on duty and passed due to complications.  and served as a police officer with the APD for 23 years and with the Potter County Sheriff's Office for four. At the time of death, Sgt. Saunders was a detective in the Domestic Violence Investigation Unit  She had four children.

While remembering our fallen officers, it is put into perspective the toll COVID-19 took on our community.  Police Officers were essential workers during the pandemic.  Not only did they put their life on the line for the community, but they also put their health on the line during this crazy era in history.  These officers made an impact on our community and are greatly missed.