Fifteen new police officers graduated from the academy in DeKalb County on Friday, less than 24 hours after a DeKalb officer was killed in the line of duty.
DeKalb County Police Chief James Conroy held a moment of silence in honor of Officer Edgar Flores, who had been on the force less than two years when he was killed.
[RELATED: DeKalb officer killed in the line of duty ID'd as 24-year-old]
The 24-year-old was killed Thursday evening after he stopped 33-year-old Brandon Taylor’s SUV on Candler Road.
After a brief chase, Taylor ended up shooting Flores multiple times. Other officers then killed Taylor.
I’m at a ceremony where this new class of recruits are about to graduate from the Police Academy. This comes less than 24hrs after officer Edgar Flores was killed. If they didn’t know before they know now the risk that comes with protecting and serving. @wsbtv
Posted by Tom Jones-WSB on Friday, December 14, 2018
During the ceremony, Conroy told the 15 new officers that it is up to them to continue the legacy that Flores leaves behind.
“I want each of you to honor Officer Flores through your service and throughout your career,” Conroy said.
Flores was engaged and would have celebrated his 25th birthday next week.
DeKalb County Police Department graduationDeKalb County Police Department graduation is underway, just one day after one of their officers was killed in the line of duty. https://2wsb.tv/2EkKLgP
Posted by WSB-TV on Friday, December 14, 2018
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