Richmond police officers and community members gathered Friday for an annual memorial honoring fallen officer Daniel Ellis.
Saturday marked the eighth anniversary of the 2015 shooting, which happened while Ellis was on duty searching for an armed robbery suspect. Ellis died two days later, suffering from the gunshot wound.
Flags were set to half-staff and remarks were made by Mayor Robert Blythe and Chief of Police Rodney Richardson during a wreathing ceremony Friday.
It helps us remember him but it also gives us a moment to bond and reflect,” Richardson said. “So I think it's an outlet for those that are mourning. And it's also a moment for them to get together and talk about that with someone, which is very important.
The event drew a small crowd of officers and civilians alike. Richardson says the annual event is a time for the community to come together.
“They really are the people who got us through this,” Richardson said. “You see a lot of officers that are here today that weren't here during that time period, but they understand what Daniel Ellis meant for this agency, and for the city of Richmond.”
Ellis is survived by his wife and son.
