Friday, May 9, 2008; Posted 4.36 pm (CDT)

Hundreds gathered at the Oklahoma City Police Headquarters Friday afternoon to honor the men and women who lost their lives while keeping us safe and the family members who had to make that sacrifice.

"He was killed during a high-speed pursuit in 2005," says Paul Dragus. Dragus is the father of Sgt. Jonathan Dragus, who died in 2005.

"He was working in a motel room, and a guy was trying to steal a TV," says Terri Ward, the daughter of Det. Gary Ward, who died in 1985. "He went out to stop him. There was a fight, he got control of [Ward's] gun and shot him."

"You men and women who wear that uniform have a bravery and a calling very few will understand," says Cleveland County DA Greg Mashburn. Mashburn was the guest speaker for the memorial service. "Those who have lost their lives in the line of duty are the bravest of souls. That is why we're here today, to honor those who have paid the ultimate price to follow their calling."

For many, the Oklahoma City Police Memorial Service brings them back to when they first heard the news.

"Just remembering how it all happened and all that and remembering the night when they called," says Ward.

"It's a memorial service to those that have gone on before us, but it's also a time to remember how important those police officers are to us and our way of life," says Mashburn.

At the memorial, the Dragus family was honored with a section of highway dedicated to Jonathan. The section is the location of where Jonathan was killed.

"We're just kind of shocked and thrilled and happy about it," says Dragus. "I'm just overwhelmed."

The memorial paid tribute to 32 officers, their families and friends and all the officers past, present and future.

"It's comforting to be able to see all the people that come ... to reunite with them and have a fellowship and a common bond with them over our loss," says Dragus. "It's just very comforting."

"It brings support that they all still remember," says Ward.

"He was a great son, a great father, a good citizen, obviously, and he really loved his job, really loved this city and had a lot of friends here, and of course we all miss him," says Dragus.

The sign for the Sergeant Dragus Memorial Highway will be put up by the end of the summer. It will be located on NW Expressway between Penn and I-44.

Friday's memorial honored Oklahoma City police officers from 1895 to 2005 who were killed in the line of duty.