Commissions
St. Michael, Guardian Angel
Odessa Police Department
Odessa, Texas
On September 8, 2007, while responding to an incomplete 911 call three of our officers were ambushed and murdered. Out of that tragedy the Odessa Police Officers Memorial Foundaion was formed.
The foundation wanted to build a statue to honor all Odessa Police Officers killed in the line of duty. We have five, Corporal G. T. Toal, Officer Scott S. Smith, both killed in motorcycle accidents in 1982 and 1988 respectively. Then in September, 2007 we lost Corporal Arlie Jones, Corporal Scott Gardner, and Corporal Abel Marquez.
We chose St. Michael the Archangel, because he is recognized as the Patron Saint of Police Officers. The statue is based on a picture of St. Michael cradling a deceased officer in his arms.
After months of searching for a sculptor we came in contact with Mr. Paul Tadlock. Becuase of Mr. Tadlock's most exceptional talent, his generosity, kindness and empathy, The Odessa Police Department now has the most exquisite reminder of not only the lives lost, but the inherent danger police officers face every day.
Sincerely,
Corporal Freddie Nayola
President
Odessa Police Officers Memorial Foundation
