In the early morning hours of May 9, while most of Bandera County slept, a memorial honoring fallen and departed law enforcement officers quietly rose on the lawn of the Bandera County Courthouse.
The memorial centered on symbols of sacrifice, service and remembrance.
At its heart stood a small round table representing the eternal call to service answered by law enforcement officers. Draped in a plain white cloth to symbolize the purity of that calling, the table held a single red rose — representing both the love officers showed through their service and the love held for them in return.
In front of the rose burned a candle, illuminating the darkness as an eternal flame of remembrance and a promise that those honored would not be forgotten.
Behind the table rested an open Bible turned to John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Beside the table stood a kennel with a leash, empty collar and dry water bowl — a reminder that some officers who served did so on four legs rather than two.
Positioned between the table and the kennel was the centerpiece of the memorial: a simple rustic chair left forever empty for the officer who began the shift but never returned home. Organizers said the chair also represented all who wore the badge and now rest in sacred ground.
At 5 a.m. — symbolic of the five-pointed star worn on the chest of many officers — the memorial came to life.
For the next 24 hours, citizens of Bandera County and visitors from outside the area stood watch for those who no longer could.
Among those participating was Chaplain Mark Caronna of “Ask the Chaplain Radio” on Artist 1st Radio, a law enforcement veteran who served 28 years with the Houston Police Department.
During his watch, Caronna stood alongside fellow Houston Police Department veteran Phillip Schaeffer, who served 30 years in law enforcement and now serves Bandera County as the incoming Precinct 4 county commissioner.
Additional law enforcement veterans — along with several still actively serving — arrived on motorcycles to participate while wearing the insignia of Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club and Reguladores Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club.
Support also came from veteran riders beyond the law enforcement community, including members of Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 23-32 of Kerrville and five members of American Legion Riders Post 157 in Bandera.
Around 11 a.m., organizers said one participant particularly embodied the spirit of the event.
Luis Estella, 91, arrived in the uniform of Bandera American Legion Post 157’s sergeant-at-arms.
A U.S. Air Force combat veteran who served over Korea and Vietnam and wore the nation’s uniform for more than 28 years, Estella stood vigil for more than three hours beneath the Texas sun.
At 1 p.m., Bandera County Sheriff Josh Teitge joined the memorial and continued a tradition of supporting the event over the past three years.
During his time at the vigil, another recognizable piece of law enforcement history arrived.
Pulling onto the courthouse grounds was a blackand- white 1967 Plymouth Belvedere bearing the number “012” on its roof and the seal of Los Angeles, California, on its doors — recognizable to many as the iconic patrol car from the television series “Adam-12.”
Driving the vehicle was former Los Angeles Police Department officer Eddie Gonzalez of White Rock Christian Fellowship.
At 3 p.m., Charlie — the day’s only canine participant — arrived with handler Michelle Axmaker of Axmaker Service Dogs.
Axmaker welcomed former Bandera City Marshal Will Deitrich and his wife, Misty, to the vigil. The couple has participated consistently since the memorial began five years ago.
At 5 p.m., young members of Trail Life Troop TX-9112 joined Bandera’s Scouting America Troop 146 to conduct a flag retirement ceremony in honor of fallen and departed law enforcement officers.
Organizers intentionally scheduled the ceremony for 5 p.m. to again reflect the symbolism of the five-pointed Texas star.
As the ceremonial fire consumed the retiring flag, the notes of “Amazing Grace” echoed across the courthouse lawn from bagpipes played by Robert Real of Bandera County.
With the fire still smoldering, Chris Pinder — a Colorado law enforcement veteran — stepped forward to stand the watch in honor of Officer Donnie Young, his fallen brother in blue who died May 8, 2025.
Pinder welcomed current Bandera City Marshal Earl Heidelberg and his wife, Jeanie, to join him.
Organizers also recognized longtime volunteers Kenny Obannon and his wife, Jackie, who have stood the watch every year since the event began.
Additional volunteers from Bandera American Legion Post 157 included Bruce Duncan, Bob Williams, Kelly Sandifer, Eric Ortiz and his wife Michelle, Jim Rickel and his wife Pauline, Allen Zimmerman, Dennis Birchall, Gary Hetrick and Post Commander Rick Olivarez.
Organizers said the memorial would not be possible without volunteers and participants who return each year, often without seeking recognition.
As darkness gave way to dawn once more, the vigil concluded.
At 5 a.m. the following morning — symbolic of the 50 stars of the American flag, among them the Star of Texas — the memorial was quietly taken down and the courthouse lawn returned to silence.
For now, organizers say, it rests.
But next year, the watch will stand again.
Those interested in participating in future vigils may contact Bandera American Legion Post 157.
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