Moment of silence held for 4-year death anniversary of McAllen officers

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Today marks the four year death anniversary of two McAllen Police officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice while on duty.

McAllen Police officers Edelmiro Garza Jr. and Ismael Z. Chavez were shot and killed in the line of duty on July 11, 2020.

Authorities say the two were ambushed while responding to a domestic disturbance call on that fatal day. A shooter was waiting for officers at his front door and shot the officers as they approached the residence.

The McAllen Police Department will observe radio silence for 38 seconds, in honor of Garza and Chavez.

The moment of silence will begin at 3:29 p.m. over the McAllen PD Communications radio and last for 38 seconds, the sum of 7/11/20, the anniversary of their line of duty deaths.

Their message over the system will read as follows:

"Four years ago, at this time, Officer Edelmiro Garza Jr. and Officer Ismael Z. Chavez responded to a Call-For-Service at the 3500 Block of Queta Ave. They were killed in the line-of-duty while answering this call. At this moment, the City of McAllen Police Department, in honor of fallen officers Edelmiro Garza Jr. and Ismael Z. Chavez observes radio silence. In remembrance of our fallen brother officers Edelmiro Garza Jr. and Ismael Z. Chavez, please stand by for a moment of silence."

The department states it will continue to honor the two officers and carry out their mission every day.