City Manager John Beckmeyer, Council Members Denise Swanner, and Greg Connell were among those. Odessa Police Chief Mike Gerke, Assistant Fire Chief Cody Ritchie, and Ector County Sheriff Mike Griffis were also on hand for a special wreath ceremony.
Fallen heroes were also honored, including fallen police officer Scott Gardner. He was killed in 2007 while responding to a domestic violence call. We spoke with his nephew, an Odessa Fire Rescue Firefighter.
“To me and my family, it means a lot. We’re just happy the community thinks about him and everything he gave up,” said Matthew Gardner.
Gardner comes from a family of first responders. His father worked for Odessa Fire Rescue for 29 years.
The City of Odessa and Prosperity Bank hosted the “American Tribute” event. After it was over, folks helped to place the flags throughout our beautiful park.
The American Flags will remain in Memorial Gardens Park until the 23rd.