Tribute to fallen officers in Miami

MIAMI (WSVN) -- A moving tribute to police officers who lost their lives serving and protecting in South Florida has been installed for the public to visit.

As many as 137 officers are represented in the exhibit inside the Stephen P. Clarke Government Center in Downtown Miami. That is the amount of Black T-shirts on display that read "I Died For You" on the front and a specific officer's name on the reverse side with a date.

"Our fallen heroes represented in this lobby symbolize more than duty and more than sacrifice," said John Rivera, president of the Police Benevolent Association during a speech. "They represent the ultimate sacrifice. They laid down their lives for this community."

Bob Haworth was at the opening of the tribute Wednesday morning. He lost his daughter while she was on duty. "I always have good memories of her," he said. "I always thought she was a hero."

Amanda Haworth, 44, and her partner Roger Castillo, 41, were shot and killed while serving a felony warrant for a man wanted for murder in the City of Miami, in January of 2011. She had been an officer for 23 years. "I miss her every day," said the father, "and some days I miss her more than others. She is a good person. She still is a good person."

These officers and the relatives of the fallen all gathered at the Stephen P. Clarke lobby. "We can't forget the sacrifices that our officers, regardless of department, made for this community," said a police officer.

"Because We live in a democracy," said another officer, "and we live in a place that cherishes freedom, that these people, they actually made the ultimate sacrifice and gave something greater than life itself to make us better."

This tribute will remain in the lobby area for the entire month of September. The public is welcome to come to pay their respects.

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