The Tampa Police Department dedicated a new memorial site to one of its fallen officers.
- Tampa Police unveiled new garden to honor Officer Marrero
- Lois Marrero was killed in 2001 by a bank robber
- The garden was designed by students from Tampa Preparatory Academy
Officer Lois Marrero was killed in the line of duty in 2001 while closing in on a bank robbery suspect. Today, officers unveiled a new garden in her memory at District I Headquarters.
Although it has been 15 years since her death, many of her colleagues still feel the pain from that day. In fact, Chief Eric Ward was a good friend of Officer Marrero’s.
She was his boss at the time.
“She was one you could always go to when you needed guidance or just someone to talk to," said Chief Ward. "That should never be forgotten."
Officer Marrero’s mother, sister and niece were there to see a plaque bearing her name placed in the new garden.
“She continues to serve as a role model to me," said Marrero’s niece Natalia Ayoub. "She’s someone I will always look up to, remember and honor."
The garden will serve as a place for celebrations or even quiet contemplation.
“The officers have such a tough job day-to-day, I think it’s amazing for them to be able to come outside and reflect, whether they want to be alone, think, or just admire it,” said Ayoub.
Local businesses contributed time, money and materials to make the garden a reality.
Art students from Tampa Preparatory Academy created the centerpiece of the garden after talking with family members about a design.