SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Nearly one year ago, a protest just days after the death of George Floyd quickly escalated to a riot in Salt Lake City.

The officers who stepped up to help during the downtown riot were honored Wednesday by the Salt Lake City Police Association.

“Despite the clear and present danger these officers faced, they still responded without thought for themselves or their own lives. They responded to protect the citizens caught in the middle and their fellow officers,” said Joe McBride, president of the Salt Lake City Police Association. 

Police issued a state-wide call for help on May 30, 2020, and more than 35 agencies statewide responded. 

“One of the true leaders of the department made a call for a statewide 10-33,” McBride said. “10-33 is the radio call we give when an officer’s life is in danger. That code is not used lightly.” 

They said officers were attacked with rocks, street signs, pepper spray and other things.  

A total of 24 officers were injured that day. 

The Salt Lake Police Association said that while they recognize there are people in the field of law enforcement that shouldn’t be, they believe the vast majority of the men and women serving here in Utah are good, selfless people.