Dallas Police have unveiled a portrait of an officer who was killed in the line of duty almost a year ago. Officer Mitchell Penton died after being struck by a drunk driver while directing traffic at a crash on Central Expressway on February 13, 2021.
Penton, 27, worked in Northeast Patrol Division. His family, several Dallas city council members and Dallas Police leadership attended the unveiling Monday.
"Not nearly enough time has passed to calm the grief of losing Mitchell," Lt. Yancey Nelson said. "And I'm pretty sure not enough time will ever pass."
Nelson said Penton's portrait will join five other paintings of officers who worked at the station and died in the line of duty since 1981.
"Mitchell's beaming, cute little smile has also been the strongest reminder of the willing sacrifices of my many brothers and sisters in blue," he said.
"It's incredibly important the manner in which this police department and this city honor the sacrifices that have been made by these men and women," Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia said. "It's something that is very touching and endearing."
Garcia says portraits of officers who have died in the line of duty can help build interest in their story and the person who died.
"As officers see that, younger officers see that, they'll ask. Someone will verbally tell them the story of the sacrifice and what was accomplished," Garcia said. "It's a tremendous tribute to our fallen and to Mitchell."
Penton's wife, children and other family members attended the unveiling along with several members of Dallas City Council.
The suspect in the case, Phillip Mabry, is awaiting trial on a charge of intoxication manslaughter of a police officer.
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