Community remembers Orlando police officer Kevin Valencia a year after his death

ORLANDO, Fla. — Tuesday marks one year since Orlando Police Officer Kevin Valencia died from injuries he suffered in the line of duty in 2018.

Valencia was shot while responding to a hostage situation involving four children.

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Officials are using the day to reflect on the impact Valencia had on the community.

“Today marks 1 year since Officer Kevin Valencia succumbed to his injuries from his heroic efforts in trying to save children he didn’t even know,” the police department tweeted on Tuesday.

READ: ‘He made me laugh all the time’: Wife of fallen Orlando police officer remembers husband as fun-loving family man

The department is asking the community to continue to keep Valencia’s wife, Meghan, and their children, Kaleb and Kolton, as well as the entire Valencia family in their prayers.

“We will continue to do all that we can to honor Kevin’s service to the Orlando Police Department and the City of Orlando,” the department said.

Photos: Remembering fallen Orlando police Officer Kevin Valencia

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Officer Kevin Valencia's funeral

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer also released a statement on social media about Valencia on Tuesday.

“One year ago, we lost a hero. Our community will never forget Orlando Police Officer Kevin Valencia and his bravery, compassion and service,” Dyer wrote in a tweet.

READ: ‘We lost a hero’: Family, colleagues remember fallen Orlando police Officer Kevin Valencia

Last month, Police Chief Orlando Rolón joined Dyer and members of the Orlando Police Department and Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association officials to dedicate a bench in honor of Valencia.

READ: ‘He will never be forgotten’: Bench dedicated in honor of Orlando police Officer Kevin Valencia

Video: ‘We lost a hero’: Family, colleagues remember fallen Orlando police officer Kevin Valencia The Orlando Police Department remembered fallen officer Kevin Valencia during a funeral service on Wednesday. (Jeff Deal)

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