The Texas Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation was formed in 1987 by the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, also known as CLEAT.  CLEAT was founded in the mid-1970s and was designed to enhance the law enforcement profession by providing financial assistance and support to families of fallen officers.  In 1998, members of the association convinced the Texas Legislature to authorize the building of a physical memorial in honor of Texas peace officers who paid the ultimate price and died in the line of duty.   On May 10, 1999, the first law enforcement officers and the families of fallen officers traveled from all over the state of Texas to participate in the memorial dedication.

The memorial stands tall on the grounds of the Texas Capital in Austin, and the names of each fallen officer who died in the line of duty in the state of Texas are listed on the memorial.