Pompano Beach police officer killed 17 years ago honored with memorial statue

The Pompano Beach locality gathered to honor the life of a Broward Sheriff Deputy killed in the line of duty with a monument in his honor In the present day we stand together in solemn remembrance and unwavering gratitude as we dedicate this monument to sergeant Chris Reyka commented Major David Ellwood of the Broward Sheriff s Office Reyka s wife and children gathered along fellow officers administrators and members of the locality on Tuesday to dedicate a granite monument standing on the site of his death For him it was faith family friendship freedoms he was in the Marine Corps police officer he concluded in the good of people explained Kim Reyka the deputy s wife Reyka was killed in the line of duty on August th when he was conducting a routine traffic stop outside of a Walgreens in Pompano Beach when detectives stated he was ambushed Chris sacrifice is a painful reminder of the price that can be paid in the line of duty but also an example of bravery and selflessness that will never be forgotten noted Ellwood The monument depicts an open book made of granite He had a short life but he had a very full life stated Kim The monument replaced one installed shortly after deputy Reyka s death which had been damaged by weather over the years He stood for something greater than himself a commitment to protect and serve no matter the menace declared Ellwood Pompano Beach Mayor Rex Hardin maintains that police officers like Reyka are what make communities a better place We all owe him gratitude for what he did throughout day in and day out he was here and without people like Chris this world would be a far far worse place disclosed Hardin Ellwood assures that it s not just about the statue but showing his fellow leaders that their legacy of keeping the society safe will live on It is a promise a promise that sergeant Chris Reyka s name his legacy and his story will live on commented Ellwood Make sure that deputies and police officers know that they re not forgotten and a monument will deteriorate over time but our thoughts and our commitment to that family and that officer s legacy will never diminish explained Ellwood Executives remember Reyka for his leadership compassion and commitment to society safety