DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) – It’s a tradition for the Dallas Mayor to place a wreath at an annual memorial to honor fallen police officers but this year Mayor Mike Rawlings has been asked to stay away.
The Fraternal Order of Police President Michael Walton sent Rawlings a letter asking him not to attend this year’s ceremony on May 17th.
He told WFAA TV many Dallas police and firefighters are upset with Rawlings’ position on how to fix the failing pension fund.
“We don’t feel that he has our best interest at heart,” said Walton.
He said he hopes that Rawlings decides to skip the ceremony because it would create tension at an event designed to pay tribute to fallen officers.
“The feelings are there. We are hoping that he takes heed and does not show up because I think there is going to be a lot of hard feelings towards him,” he said.
Rawlings has not yet responded to the organization’s request for him to skip the ceremony.
Dallas police and firefighters want the city and taxpayers to help bail out the struggling pension fund.
Rawlings has argued that taxpayers should have more of a say about the new pension.
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