Amid what was supposed to be a merry holiday season, residents and city leaders paid tribute to a growing memorial to Greensboro Police Officer Michael Horan. Some people came by to greet the monument. “I served in the military just like him. So it was my duty to come out and greet him one last time,” Duquane Getter said. Tye Green knelt and knew firsthand the sacrifices that law enforcement can bring. “I was a police officer in New York, Long Island for more than 20 years,” Green said. “I am a 9/11 first responder. I’ve been through a lot of shootings, and that could have been me.” A sharp reminder of the same place where many people gathered to honor Sgt. Dale Nix, less than a year ago. “Here we are again,” said Greensboro City Council member Hugh Holston. “Here we have another one of our officers on duty, responding on behalf of the residents, responding on behalf of the community and doing his job.” Greensboro City Councilman Zack Matheny and his family stopped by Horan’s memorial on Tuesday. He said he knew Horan personally and described him as an amazing person. Through the tears and questions, community members thanked Horan for his heroics both on and off the job. Matheny reflected on the time Horan rescued a father and son from the currents while vacationing with his family. That moment earned him a GPD Medical Lifesaving Award in 2019. “I didn’t think twice about going in and saving a father and a son so they could be together for Christmas, and that can’t be happening,” Matheny said. If you would like to donate to a fundraiser to support Horan’s family, click here.