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Family, friends, and community members gathered to honor DC Police Officer Terry Bennett, celebrating his legacy as a community hero and a beacon of light.
WASHINGTON — Family, friends, and community members held a vigil to honor fallen DC Police Officer Terry Bennett.
“He wasn’t just a police officer. He wasn’t just a coach. He wasn’t just a father. He wasn’t just a husband. He was a hero. He was a beacon of light for this community,” said Kenny Brown, Friend and Head Football Coach at Ballou High School.
Who Bennett was and what he meant to the community was on everyone’s mind Monday night at his alma mater, Ballou High School.
His wife was surrounded by friends, family, and neighbors. A reminder that her grief is shared.
RELATED: Widow of fallen D.C. police officer calls for safety changes as community honors his legacy
“To see Nadia go through this and the baby asking, ‘When is Daddy going to come home?’” said Eric Dunkins, Former Flag Football Teammate. “It definitely is a hurting feeling for me.”
“When I had the honor of planning this for her, [I] wanted it to be special for her to know she has a tribe,” said Brown.
Bennett served as a DC Police Officer for 8 years and also worked as an Assistant Football Coach at Ballou.
A former player said he wouldn’t put you in the game until you were ready. A lesson that stuck with him in life.
“Some things aren’t for you in that moment. You have to work harder,” said Tarajah Ruffin, former player.
At Monday’s vigil, Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White announced plans to designate July 21 as Terry Bennett Day in DC. His friends say it’s a fitting tribute to honor his legacy.
“He’s what anybody from this neighborhood would want their kid to become,” said Brown.
Bennett’s funeral is set for late January.
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