Nez-Lizer Honor & Remember Fallen Law Enforcement Officers on Navajo Nation Police Officer Day 

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez expresses his appreciation for law enforcement on “Navajo Nation Police Officer Day” on Friday, May 10, 2019.

Published May 12, 2019

WINDOW ROCK – Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer honor and thank all men and women law enforcement officers, including those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, as the Navajo Nation recognizes “Navajo Nation Police Officer Day” on May 10.

“Our Navajo police officers serve and protect our communities day after day and we have several that have given their lives to protect our Diné people,” said President Nez. “We are very grateful to them and their families for all of their sacrifices. Vice President Myron Lizer and I keep them in our thoughts and prayers each day.”

In October 2017, the second Friday of May was declared as “Navajo Nation Police Officer Day” when the 23^rd Navajo Nation Council passed legislation sponsored Council Delegate Edmund Yazzie, who is also a former police officer.

In honor of Navajo police.

President Nez and Vice President Lizer acknowledge that the Navajo Nation remains in need of more police officers, but they also commend Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety Executive Director Jesse Delmar and Police Chief Phillip Francisco for recruiting more police officer candidates and increasing the number of officers in recent years.

“We’re seeing gradual improvements that will ultimately benefit the safety of our communities and our officers. On Navajo Nation Police Officer Day, we honor and remember the lives of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We pray for them and their loved ones on this special day,” stated Vice President Lizer.

The Officer Down Memorial Page lists 14 fallen Navajo officers, which include the following:

·       Houston James Largo

·       LeAnder Frank

·       Alex K. Yazzie

·       Ernest Jesus Montoya, Sr.

·       Darrell Cervandez Curley

·       Winsonfred A. Filfred

·       Esther Todecheene

·       Samuel Anthony Redhouse

·       Hoskie Allen Gene

·       Andy Begay

·       Roy Lee Stanley

·       Loren Whitehat

·       Burton Begay

·       Hoska Thompson

“We ask all of our Diné people to pay tribute to these individuals and thank them for giving their lives for all of us,” added President Nez.