The Lakeland Police Department plans to pay tribute to its fallen officers in a new memorial set to be built right next to the police station.
But the department is asking for the community's help to help fund the $300,000 project.
The memorial will honor the five officers who died in the line of duty, including the most recent, Officer Arnulfo Crispin, who was shot and killed five years ago this December.
"We want something to honor just our five folks who have given their lives for the City of Lakeland, and honor them appropriately in front of the station," Lt. Hans Lehman said.
The memorial will include a life-sized sculpture of an honor guard member looking over the names of the five fallen officers.
So far, LPD has raised $50,000 for the project.
Those who donate $100 or more will get an engraved brick in the memorial.
"If you see the news lately, we've had a lot of officers killed in the last couple weeks around the country and it's never more important than today that we pay respect to those officers who gave their lives," said Lt. Steve Pacheco.
Lakeland Police Department hopes to have the project unveiled in time for the five-year mark of Officer Crispin's death.
Fore more information on how to donate, visit http://www.lakelandpolicefoundation.com.
