By BEN FELLER
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — President Bush on Tuesday honored 147 police officers killed on duty in 2006, offering a short speech of gratitude and a long period of personal greetings for grieving family members.
 President Bush, left, and Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, bow their head in prayer, Tuesday. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) |
Bush paid tribute to the fallen federal, state and local law enforcement officers on Peace Officers Memorial Day, held each May 15. Among the slain officers was a 30-year-old father of four who died while escorting Bush’s motorcade in Hawaii last November.
“To the moms and dads, husbands and wives, and sons and daughters who have got a hole in your heart today, I bring a collective hug from the people of the United States of America,” Bush told thousands gathered in the sun on the west lawn of the Capitol.
Bush commended police officers as role models and heroes, people whose deaths elicit grief and sympathy even from strangers.
“It takes a special kind of person to serve in law enforcement,” Bush told the police officers in attendance. “Most people run from danger; law enforcement runs toward it. You’ve chosen one of the toughest jobs in the world.”
Bush spoke for eight minutes. Then he came off the stage and talked to people in the crowd for 2 1/2 hours, methodically making his way along the metal barricades.
He often works such a “rope line” as he ends events, but this was one of the longest of his presidency.
He gave hugs and kisses, listened as widows and children cried, offered hearty handshakes and posed for countless photos.
Bush has spoken at the memorial service every year of his presidency.
Among the thousands in attendance was Barbara Favela, widow of officer Steve Favela of the Honolulu Police Department. He crashed his motorcycle as Bush’s motorcade traveled across Hickam Air Force Base, and he later died from the injuries he sustained.
“His death is a reminder of the daily risks that each officer assumes,” Bush said.
The annual service is sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police. Bush was joined by members of Congress and his administration.