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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-03-08 Euless ArticlesInternational cinema chain Cinépolis USA plans second Texas location in Euless Steve Brown/Real Estate Editor Follow SteveBrownDMN Email stevebrown@dallasnews.com Published: February 23, 2016 11:05 am The planned Cinepolis USA in Euless will be in the Glade Park shopping center. (Weitzman Group) Growing movie theater chain Cinépolis USA has landed a second Texas location – this one in Tarrant County. The Mexico City-based international cinema firm is already building its first location in the state in Dallas’ Victory Park development near downtown. Now the theater chain has signed a deal for a 52,000 square foot location in the Glade Park, a retail complex being built at the southwest corner of State Highway 121 and Glade Road in Euless. The new cinema will open in 2017. Other retailers in Glade Park include Dick’s Sporting Goods, Michaels, Dave & Buster’s. A Belk department store is also planned. Blake Shipp with The Weitzman Group represented Cinépolis USA in the lease negotiations. Founded in Mexico in 1971, Cinepolis is the fourth-largest movie theater exhibitor in the word. It opened the first United States location in California in 2011. Cinepolis USA is opening a 700-seat, 8-screen movie theater in Dallas’ Victory Park late 2017 or early 2018. It’s located in a high-rise building that also includes additional retail and apartments. Coming attractions: More dine-in theaters in Bedford, Euless A rendering of a Cinépolis theater. The chain plans a 52,000-square-foot, 12-screen theater for Euless’ Glade Parks center. Courtesy of the Weitzman Group Just in time for the Academy Awards, we have news on new fancy movie theaters in Northeast Tarrant County. In Bedford, Movie Tavern has opened its new location in The Shops at Central Park, just around the corner from its previous location. The new 55,000-square- foot location provides full-service, in-theater dining and bar service for all 10 screens, reclining loungers with call-button service, reserved stadium seating and a kitchen serving burgers, salads, appetizers and desserts. Earlier this month, the Dallas-based chain completed renovations at its Green Oaks theater, adding new loungers and an interior and exterior remodel. In Euless, more details have emerged on plans for a Cinépolis 12-screen movie theater in the booming Glade Parks development off Texas 121. The multiscreen theater will feature “plush automated recliners,” a bar and gourmet snacks, reported Star-Telegram entertainment writer Robert Philpot. If the menu at the Del Mar, Calif.-based Cinepolis offers any clues, we can expect such appetizers as “Gourmet Truffle Skinny Fries” with spicy sriracha aioli, hummus & naan crisps, and a gourmet savory crepe. Entrees range from a burger to a spicy sushi lobster roll, with pizzas, tacos and panini in between. Desserts include sweet crepes, a “Rockslide Brownie” and a variety of cheesecakes and milkshakes. Hot and iced coffee drinks are also available. The menu includes a few vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items. Cinépolis USA’s parent company, founded in 1971 in Mexico, boasts that it’s the fourth-largest movie-theater exhibitor in the world. It’s also building an eight- screen theater in Dallas’ Victory Park. More beer from Shannon Brewery Shannon Brewery in Keller is not even 2 years old and the microbrewery is ready to join the big leagues. The brewery recently signed a distribution deal with Andrews Distributing that will make the local beer available to retailers starting Tuesday. Shannon Carter, founder of the brewery, said the company had been self- distributing and could only be found in a handful of Kroger, Central Market and Whole Foods stores. With the Andrews deal, Shannon’s beer will be available to more than 3,500 potential retail customers, including Kroger locations across Dallas-Fort Worth. “It shows they have a lot of faith in our brand and our products and our ability to grow,” Carter said. “It gives us a great deal of confidence in what we do and how we’re doing it.” The brewery produced about 4,000 barrels of beer last year and hopes to double its production this year by adding more tanks, employees and equipment. “We are going to be making quite a bit more beer this year,” Carter said. Chesapeake looking for takeoff If you’re an energy explorer, hope has to spring eternal. Being hopeful has been especially tough recently, however, with oil selling for around $30 a barrel and natural gas at its lowest price since 1999. Still, last week, Chesapeake Energy CEO Doug Lawler had some hopeful words as he explained how his company was paying down debt, selling off assets and cutting back its drilling program to only four to seven rigs in 2016 — compared to 67 in late 2014. During an earnings conference call, Lawler said that as the company looks forward to 2017 it will “continue to be very, very prudent in our capital expenditures” but is ready to pounce when prices improve and things get better. “I will tell you that inside of Chesapeake, there is a remarkable air force ready to take flight if we decide to ramp up our drilling activity,” Lawler said. Is your flight on-time? Check your Apple Watch Need to find a place to eat at one of the five terminals at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport? Check your Apple Watch. DFW is the first U.S. airport to have an Apple Watch app that provides flight information and notifications after the watch has been synced with the airport’s mobile app on a smartphone. “The DFW Mobile App and our new Apple Watch app allow us to provide customers real-time information tailored to their particular journey and is another example of how we are leveraging the use of technology to provide an overall customer experience that is warm, welcoming and efficient,” said airport Chief Executive Sean Donohue, noting that 90 percent of DFW passengers carry smartphones. DFW unveiled a new version of its mobile app last year that includes interactive maps of the airport and features that help passengers remember where they parked their car. The app was recently updated to feature six additional languages — Korean, Portuguese, Japanese, Spanish, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese. Last week, the airport opened a newly renovated section of Terminal B from gates B4-11. With the completion of this phase of the terminal renewal project, Terminal B has two new passenger entries with elevator access and a covered walkway from the garage to the terminal. The phase also reopened an adjacent 1,800-space parking garage that had been closed during the renovation. Police Officer, Suspect Dead After Euless Shootout: PD Officer David Hofer died during surgery after he was wounded during a shootout while responding to a call Tuesday. By Holley Ford A North Texas police department has identified the 29-year-old officer who was fatally wounded in a shootout with a suspect Tuesday near an elementary school. Euless Police Chief Mike Brown identified the fallen officer as David S. Hofer, who died during surgery at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Grapevine. The shooting happened just before 3 p.m. at J.A. Carr Park in the 500 block of Simmons Drive after several officers responded to a "shots fired" call in the area. "Upon arrival, officers encountered a suspect with an unknown weapon," Brown said. "The suspect immediately fired upon officers, striking one of them. Officers returned fire, striking the suspect." Hofer was rushed to Baylor Grapevine, where he was pronounced deceased, Brown announced just after 5 p.m. The second person who was shot was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, where he died. The person's identity has not yet been released. Additional details surrounding the incident are unknown at this time. Dozens of police cars from multiple North Texas agencies accompanied the officer's hearse back to Euless Tuesday evening, where a makeshift memorial from members of the community includes flowers, balloons, posters and cards. Hofer lived in Plano and began serving in the Euless Police Department in January 2014 after previously working with the New York Police Department, Brown said. Survivors include his fiance, parents, sister and brother. "This agency and community will not forget David's servant heart and his dry wit," Brown said. Hofer graduated from Saint Ann's School in Brooklyn and earned a bachelor's degree from New York University in 2008. The New York Police Department's Ninth Precinct tweeted a message Tuesday saying, "There are no words to describe the heartbreak of the loss of PO David Hofer who was proud #NYPD before going to TX." Sources tell NBC 5 Hofer worked two different sections of Manhattan with the NYPD for about five years before moving for his new job in Texas. A former NYPD sergeant who worked with Hofer in Midtown Manhattan in one of his early assignments with department described Hofer as a good guy with a big future. Another NYPD officer said some of the folks who knew Hofer well were simply too upset to talk about it right now. NYPD officials said grief counselors will be at the Ninth Precinct in the East Village in Manhattan Wednesday, where Hofer's death has shaken officers just as it has in North Texas. Tuesday night one New York group for fallen officers posted a picture of Hofer with the message simply, "RIP brother." This is the second time a Euless police officer has been killed in the line of duty in the city's history. The other officer who died was Michael Williamson, who was killed by a drunken driver in 1982, according to the city website. Euless officer killed in shooting identified Marjorie Owens , WFAA 7:49 AM. CST March 02, 2016 EULESS — A Euless officer and a suspect have been pronounced dead after the pair exchanged gunfire at J.A. Carr Park Tuesday afternoon. The slain officer was identified as 29-year-old David Hofer Tuesday night. “This agency and this community will not forget David's servant heart and his dry wit,” said Euless Police Chief Mike Brown in a press conference Tuesday night. “We ask for respect in consideration for the families and the Euless Police Department family at this time.” Few details of the events that led to Hofer's death. Chief Brown said much more information will be released on Wednesday. According to Chief Brown, police were called to the park after they received reports of a suspicious person and shots fired at about 2 p.m. "Upon arrival, officers encountered a suspect with an unknown weapon," Brown said. "The suspect immediately fired upon officers, striking one of them. Officers returned fire, striking the suspect." A witness provided News 8 with cell phone video taken from his porch. The video captures the chaos of the moment, from the moment back-up officers arrive on scene and take cover behind cars, to when a swarm of officers move in on the suspect. Nelson Leka was another witness who was picking up his daughter from school at the time. "About three police [officers were] running around the corner holding guns, and I noticed they were chasing something, someone," Leka said. The video would show officers get closer by rushing over to a home nearby the park. Seconds later, a swarm of officers would quickly move in on the suspect, ordering him to "get on the ground." A moment later, gunshots ring out, though the shooting was not caught on the video. News 8 has decided not to air the moment of the shooting out of respect for the officer's family and the police department. Another image though caught on video is also difficult to watch: Officers huddling up and comforting each other through an incredibly difficult time. Hofer was transported to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Grapevine, where he was pronounced dead during surgery. The suspect was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital, where he, too, was pronounced dead. Authorities haven't disclosed the identity of the suspect. Nearby Oakwood Terrace Elementary School was placed under lockdown mode after the shots were heard. Hofer, 29, was engaged to be married. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York, got his bachelor's degree from NYU, and joined the Euless Police Department in January 2014 after five years with the NYPD. According to the city's website, the death of the officer in the line of duty is the second in the history of the department. In 1982, Michael Ray Williamson was killed by a drunk driver while he was on patrol. He was 30 at the time and a father of six. One of his sons is now a Euless firefighter, the Star- Telegram reports. A steady stream of citizens brought flowers and candles to the department on Tuesday night. They circled in prayer. Many left in tears. Many law enforcement agencies and civilians are tweeting their condolences with the hashtag #Officerdown. “Euless is one big family,” Mayor Linda Martin told the Star-Telegram. “Honestly, I’m having trouble controlling my tears." H-E-B Happenings A portrait of Dr. Seuss with the book What Pet Should I Get? that was discovered after his death in 1991. Holly Ramer Star-Telegram archives MIDTOWN EXPRESS WORK SET TO BEGIN FRIDAY The much-anticipated reconstruction project of Texas 183 from Industrial Boulevard in Euless to Interstate 35E in Dallas is upon us. Called the Midtown Express, the $850 million project will also include work on Texas 114 from Irving (near the former Texas Stadium site) to Dallas/Fort Worth Airport and a stretch of Loop 12. In Euless, work is expected to begin on Friday with the permanent closing of the Ector Drive entrance and exit ramps to and from Texas 183. The Main Street bridge over Texas 183 is expected to close in June. Various lanes of 183 will be closed, mostly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., throughout the project. The project, which covers 28 miles and cuts through five cities, is essentially an extension of the North Tarrant Express, the project that rebuilt Loop 820 and Airport Freeway from Interstate 35W in Fort Worth to Industrial Boulevard in Euless. Updates can be found at www.drivemidtown.com and on Twitter @DriveMidtown. CELEBRATE DR. SEUSS’ BIRTHDAY AT BEDFORD LIBRARY Green eggs and ham will not be served, but there will be plenty to do (and eat!) at the 10th annual Seuss Festival, which celebrated Dr. Seuss’ 112th birthday. The festival is from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Bedford Public Library, 2424 Forest Ridge Drive. There will be birthday cake and lemonade, cotton candy, a Seussical costume contest, celebrity readers, face-painting, balloon benders and a photo booth. Information: 817-952-2374. AARP OFFERS TAX RETURN HELP TO H-E-B RESIDENTS AARP volunteers are offering to help individuals and couples prepare their income tax returns. Volunteers will be at the Mary Lib Saleh Euless Public Library, 201 N. Ector Drive, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and from noon to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays through April 15. Information: Library reference desk: 817-685-1489. For members of the Euless Family Life Senior Center, an AARP tax aide will be on site from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April 15. Appointments: 817-685-1671. In Hurst, AARP volunteers will be at the Hurst Public Library from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through April 12. The library is at 901 Precinct Line Road. Registration is required. Information: 817-788-7300. Makeover begins for Airport Freeway in Euless, Irving Midtown Express project moves into high gear $847 million in improvements after decades of neglect Euless Main Street bridge to be removed in June Paul Moseley pmoseley@star-telegram.com BY GORDON DICKSON AND ELIZABETH CAMPBELL gdickson@star-telegram.com, liz@star-telegram.com EULESS An outdated stretch of Airport Freeway in Euless and Irving is about to join the 21st century. An $847 million project on Airport Freeway known as Midtown Express kicked into high gear in Euless over the weekend with the closure of two access points — an on-ramp from Ector Drive to westbound Texas 183 and an off-ramp from the freeway to Ector Drive. Workers began to remove parts of a bridge that will be expanded. Paul Moseley pmoseley@star-telegram.com The project includes rebuilding Texas 183 main lanes, modernizing ramps and access roads, and adding one toll lane in each direction. Midtown Express will serve as an extension of the $2.5 billion North Tarrant Express project just to the west in neighboring Bedford and Hurst. Texas 183 became an extremely popular commuting route beginning in the 1970s with the opening of nearby Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. But by 1985 the freeway had more traffic than it was designed to handle, and gridlock ensued. Even though the six-lane highway was used by as many as 200,000 vehicles per day by the late 1990s — and continues with that level of traffic today — funding wasn’t available to add any lanes, or even to rebuild crumbling bridges in the Texas 183 corridor south of DFW. Until now. The weekend work “is really the kickoff of some of the really big work,” said Selma Stockstill, spokeswoman for Southgate Constructors, the main contractor. Big ol’ project Motorists should get used to orange barrels and detours. Work is expected to continue until 2018 in Euless, Irving and Dallas. Midtown Express affects 28 miles of road in all, including the 15 miles of Texas 183 from Euless to Interstate 35E in Dallas. The project also includes improvements for Texas 114 and Loop 12 in Dallas County, including the roads surrounding the former site of Texas Stadium — once home to the Dallas Cowboys — in Irving. Once the work is complete, the entire 28-mile corridor of Loop 820 and Texas 121/183 will have been modernized between I-35W in Fort Worth and I-35E in Dallas — and motorists can use either toll-free main lanes or toll express lanes (also called TEXPress lanes) to travel between the cities. Access to businesses For the initial weeks of the road work, disruptions are expected to be minimal for freeway traffic passing through Euless, Stockstill said. But motorists within Euless can expect delays and detours. In particular, motorists who normally use Ector Drive will be diverted along the freeway frontage roads to Main Street or Industrial Boulevard. Some area businesses are concerned about losing access to their customers, both in the short and long term. “All we are asking for is another parking space,” said Carolyn Parra, who is losing one of only two parking spaces outside her Parra Car Care. The tiny car repair shop and dozens of other businesses — many of them restaurants, but also a veterinary clinic and a Methodist church — will be difficult to access between Ector Drive and Main Street and the surrounding area. During a recent Euless Small Business Association meeting, Parra told Midtown Express officials that her shop’s business cards and marketing efforts tout how easy it is to get to her business from Ector Street. But now customers will have to take detours of a mile or more. Euless officials said they’re sensitive to businesses’ needs and will make a concerted effort to keep owners up to date on construction work. “There are 36 businesses that are located along Airport Freeway or have direct access to the frontage road east of FM 157,” city spokeswoman Betsy Deck said. “We have a database of about 160 businesses in the immediate area that will be impacted, but the reality is it will affect many businesses beyond the immediate construction zone.” Southgate’s Stockstill added: “We host monthly construction update meetings focused solely on the business community. We rotate it to different areas of the corridor to ensure all businesses affected by construction are helped through the process.” Demolition of bridges For many other motorists, the real disruptions likely will begin in June, when demolition is tentatively scheduled for the Main Street bridge and a nearby pedestrian bridge connecting Euless Junior High on the north side of Texas 183 to neighborhoods south of the freeway. The Main Street bridge consistently scores poorly in routine bridge inspections, according to records at the Texas Department of Transportation. The structure was built in 1970 but is considered functionally obsolete and structurally deficient. During a 2010 visit, inspectors found longitudinal cracking on the bottom side of the bridge slab and leaching — intrusion of water into the bridge material. Other bridges in the project can be removed and renovated in phases, but the Main Street bridge must be demolished all at once, Stockstill said. “For the safety of the traveling public, we must completely remove and replace this bridge,” she said. “The earliest this bridge will be removed is June 2016. It will take approximately 18 months to reconstruct this bridge.” Euless’ bridge at Industrial Boulevard will also be replaced. In all, Midtown Express includes rehabilitation of 44 bridges, construction of 28 new bridges and four direct connectors. The work will take place in five cities spread across Tarrant and Dallas counties. Gordon Dickson: 817-390-7796, @gdickson Thousands Remember Fallen Texas Officer ROBERT CADWALLADER, MARK DAVID SMITH AND AZIA BRANSON ON MAR 6, 2016 SOURCE: FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM Firetrucks support a huge U.S. flag over the east entrance of Pennington Field in Fort Worth, Texas, to a memorial service for Euless, Texas, police officer David Hofer on March 5. BEDFORD, Texas -- Euless police officer David Hofer "led with his heart," wrote poetry and was known to withdraw $100 from his bank account to help a homeless family he encountered on the job. Although the 29-year-old had a softer, gentler side, his final act on earth was one of selfless courage in the face of gunfire to protect the community he had sworn to serve. Under a pale blue sky and bathed in warm sunlight at Pennington Field, thousands of Northeast Tarrant residents and law enforcement personnel from as far away as Colorado and New York said goodbye Saturday to a hero who had demonstrated that compassion has much to do with police work. Thousands more lined the streets for a funeral procession rarely seen in the North Texas suburbs. Hofer, who moved from the New York Police Department to the nearly 100-member Euless police force in 2014, was slain Tuesday by a troubled young man who had been released from the Euless Jail hours earlier. He was remembered in a 90-minute service as much for good humor and kindness as well as his unwavering dedication to law enforcement. "What I remember about David is his humor and his smile, and his enormous heart," Euless Police Chief Michael Brown said during his eulogy. "You could say that David Hofer is one of those rare people you meet in life who led with his heart." Blue uniforms from visiting officers filled about 80 percent of the visitors' section, while Euless officers sat front and center. Grand Prairie officers took shifts at the Euless Police Department so those officers could attend the service. "Somber," said Bedford Police Sgt. Noel Scott, describing the mood of the day as his contingent of officers loaded up for the short trip home. But seeing so many law enforcement agencies represented there was moving, he said. "It shows that all the officers in this profession care about each other. It doesn't matter how far away they work; they'll travel the distance to pay their respects." Fatal ambush Hofer was killed Tuesday afternoon, ambushed by Jorge Brian Gonzalez, who allegedly stole firearms from a home, fired random shots and took a "position of cover" several hours after being released from jail. Hofer was one of the first officers to reach J.A. Carr Park that afternoon, and Gonzalez, hiding in a drainage ditch while waiting for responding officers, opened fire on Hofer. Another officer returned fire, and Hofer and Gonzalez were pronounced dead at hospitals soon after. The procession to transport Hofer's body from Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst to Pennington Field began about 11:15 a.m. Law enforcement vehicles lined up for the procession on Precinct Line Road. At Pennington Field, bicycles, motorcycles, horses, firetrucks and police vehicles lined up with their lights, waiting for Hofer's casket. The firetrucks' ladders were raised to hold a giant United States flag. Another flag flew from the Hurstview Bridge over Airport Freeway as the procession traveled underneath. Community mourns loss of Euless officer (Photo: WFAA) EULESS — This is a story that News 8 just stumbled upon. Finding people in Euless deeply hurt by the death of Officer David Hofer is not difficult. But it was pure happenstance that a place named NYPD, or New York Pizza and Deli, would probably be one of the prime places to see the pain. It 's a mom-and-pop restaurant that credits itself with making authentic New York-style food. So why wouldn't a young New York transplant like Officer Hofer walk in there? And not just him, but several other officers formerly with the real NYPD and now with Euless police. "I guess it's a piece of home with the pizza," said owner Tommy Gallant. Gallant himself is a transplant from New York. The first thing you'll see these days as soon as you go in is the big white "Specials" board. But Friday, instead of menu items, it was a statement in honor of the fallen officer. "I just felt the need to do it," Gallant said. Officer David Hofer would take orders off this very board. Gallant said officers came in all the time but the New York transplants would come in at least three to four times a week. "Very polite and he always had a smile on his face," Gallant said about Hofer. Just a few miles down the road at Cooper's Florist in Euless they've just finished up most of the arrangements for Hofer's family. "We had a van full of pieces going yesterday," said Kirk Henington. Henington and his staff have been working non-stop on floral arrangements for Officer Hofer. They received requests from police departments all over the country. "You give so much of yourself for someone else and then you feel that you knew them," Henington said. Arrangements came from police departments all over North Texas, from the New York City police commisioner, and even the Yankees. The pain people in town feel is very obvious. We saw plenty of emotion at the Euless Police Department where a memorial up front has been set up. "I went home that night and it broke me," Gallant said. "I never show emotion, very rarely. But when I got home, my wife was like, 'Are you alright?' I said, 'These are guys I just talked to, talked to every day." Memorial services are scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. Pennington Field in Bedford. The procession will be streamed live on WFAA.com starting at 11 a.m. A GoFundMe has been set up been set-up by the Euless Police Benevolent Organization. Funds raised will go directly to Hofer's family. Suspect In Deadly Euless Police Officer Shooting Identified EULESS (CBSDFW.COM) – This morning North Texans are grieving for a woman and her children as they mourn the death of a Euless police officer who was also a son, brother and soon-to-be groom. Hofer was shot Tuesday afternoon and people began stopping by police department headquarters around 6 a.m., to pay their respects. A memorial set up last night continues to grow with flowers, cards and gifts. Every flower, candle, note placed on the memorial has come with a prayer, or tears, or moment of silence. Officer David Hofer’s death has been a powerful draw for other officers and citizens from across North Texas to come to Euless. Mourner Kandice Gordon said, “I don’t know if it’s healing. It’s just giving back to the community and knowing that I’m part of it. It affects everyone.” When asked if she lived in the area Gordon said, “Well, I used to, but no. I live in Haltom City. This is… even though it’s not the same city, it’s the same city, basically.” (credit: CBSDFW.COM) Euless police Chief Michael Brown said, “This community will not forget David’s servant heart and his dry wit. We ask for respect and consideration for the family and for the Euless Police Department family at this time.” Officer Hofer was shot in the line of duty. He had been sent to respond to a call about a suspicious person and possible shots fired at J.A. Carr Park around 3 p.m. Schools in the area were placed on lockdown as officers responded to the call. Officer Hofer arrived at the scene and witnesses say he was shot as he approached the suspect, now identified as 22-year-old Jorge Brian Gonzalez. Other arriving officers exchanged gunfire with Gonzalez and shot him. Officer Hofer was rushed to Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in Grapevine, but died from his injuries while undergoing surgery. Police and first-responders from across North Texas went to the hospital and escorted Hofer’s body from there to the medical examiner’s office in Fort Worth. Gonzalez was also fatally wounded. People in the area said they saw a flurry of activity near one of the busy trails at the park. Witness Nelson Leka recalled, “I saw many policemen holding guns, running around these blocks. And about 30 seconds, on my way to pick up my children, [I heard] three shots and I saw in the mirror they were running around, chasing someone.” A reporter with the New York Post spoke with Sofija Hofer, the officer’s mother, who had fond memories of her son. “He was a wonderful child, a wonderful police officer,” she told The Post. Initially, Sofija Hofer had different asperations for her son, but said he knew exactly what he wanted to do. “I thought he might be a scientist, like his father, but he always wanted to be a policeman, ever since he was a little boy,” she said. “He was so brave.” Officer Hofer had five years of experience as a New York City police officer before coming to North Texas two years ago. A fiancée, Marta Danylyk, parents and a brother and sister survive the 29-year-old. Officer Hofer is only the second officer to die in the line of duty in Euless. The other officer was Michael Williamson, who was killed by a drunken driver in 1982. The Euless Police Benevolence Organization has set up an account for donations in memory of Officer Hofer and in support of his family. The account is at – My Credit Union 1014 N. Industrial Blvd. (at the corner of Industrial and Harwood) Euless, Texas 76039 Officials with the Euless Police Department are expected to give more details on the shooting, exactly what happened to Officer Hofer and suspect Gonzalez at a press conference scheduled for 3 p.m. New York police honor slain Euless police officer at St. Patrick’s Mass ‘He went to Texas to make a good life,’ New York officer says of Hofer ‘But once you put a shield on your chest, you’re always in danger’ Hofer spent five years working in New York’s Ninth Precinct Marta Danylyk, at left behind police officers, and Helmut Hofer, tall, with gray hair and beard, arrive for the funeral Mass for Euless police Officer David Hofer on Monday, March 7, 2016, at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York. Hofer was killed March 1. Hofer was a New York police officer before he and Danylyk, his fiancee, moved to North Texas. Helmut Hofer is the officer father. Mark Lennihan AP BY VERNA DOBNIK The Associated Press NEW YORK Hundreds of New York City police officers lined Fifth Avenue in Manhattan in a farewell salute Monday to a former NYPD colleague who was gunned down last week in a Euless park. A memorial Mass in St. Patrick’s Cathedral was said for Euless officer David Hofer. A Euless officer carried a cherrywood box with Hofer’s ashes to the altar, near some daisies and a sign that read “Blue Lives Matter.” His finacee, Marta Danylyk, with whom he had built a house in Plano, wept quietly, sitting close to his mother, Sonja Hofer, and his father, Helmut Hofer. “He went to Texas to make a good life, but once you put a shield on your chest, you’re always in danger,” Pat Lynch, head of New York’s Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, said after the service. A New York University graduate, Hofer spent five years working in New York’s Ninth Precinct in the East Village. He left two years ago for Euless, whose police department has welcomed several former NYPD officers to its ranks. On a sunny Monday morning, the mournful strains of a lone bagpiper playing Amazing Grace floated over Fifth Avenue as Hofer’s remains were carried out of the cathedral, the seat of New York’s Roman Catholic archdiocese. Monsignor Robert Ritchie, who presided over the Mass, summed up Hofer’s life in three words from the pulpit: “Respect, honor, love.” The 29-year-old officer was killed Tuesday afternoon while responding to reports of shots fired in J.A. Carr Park in Euless. He was ambushed by Jorge Brian Gonzalez, 22, who, police said stole firearms from a home, fired random shots and took a “position of cover” in a park drainage ditch several hours after being released from jail. Another officer returned fire, killing Gonzalez, and Hofer and Gonzalez were pronounced dead at hospitals soon after. On Saturday, thousands attended a memorial service at Pennington Field, the 12,500 seat football stadium. Thousands more lined the streets for a funeral procession that shut down the Airport Freeway and Precinct Line Road. At that service he was remembered as much for good humor and kindness as for his unwavering dedication to law enforcement. “What I remember about David is his humor and his smile, and his enormous heart, “ Euless Police Chief Michael Brown said in his eulogy. “You could say that David Hofer is one of those rare people you meet in life who led with his heart.” NYPD honors slain Euless officer David Hofer Bagpipes played as hundreds of mourners arrived at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan on Monday to honor the life of former New York police officer David Hofer, who was killed last week in the line of duty in Euless, Texas. NYPD THIS REPORT INCLUDES MATERIAL FROM THE STAR-TELEGRAM ARCHIVES.