In the days after the deadly ambush in downtown Dallas, "We all wanted to put our arms around the families of those officers who had died," Mayor Mike Rawlings said Tuesday.

And nearly four months later, that's what happened as their sacrifices were recognized at the annual Friends of the Dallas Police banquet.

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"I was in awe as officers jumped into action — and at the courage they exhibited in the face of mortal danger," Rawlings said of the night a rifle-wielding man randomly targeted police officers as a protest concluded in downtown Dallas, killing five officers and wounding nine more.

But his greatest admiration, he said, came as the city collectively mourned.

Tuesday night, the Dallas Police Department honored the fallen and their loved ones at the annual event, which was held at the Hyatt Regency Dallas.

About 150 officers and department employees were honored at the 34th annual event by a range of dignitaries, including former Dallas Police Chief David Brown, interim Chief David Pughes and several city officials.

Dallas police Sgt. Michael Smith, Senior Cpl. Lorne Ahrens, Officers Michael Krol and Patricio Zamarripa and DART Officer Brent Thompson each received the Police Cross, awarded for service under trying circumstances and the ultimate sacrifice of one's life.

Still-grieving widows, parents and children clutched one another's hands around banquet tables and wiped away tears as a video tribute to the fallen played onscreen to "Amazing Grace," then went onstage to accept the honors and take photos with the former chief.

In addition, the department honored those injured during the attack.

Brown took the stage to a standing ovation and said that despite his retirement, he'd always feel a sense of obligation to the department.

"You get it in your DNA," he said. "You can't not care about cops."

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The annual banquet traditionally honors the department's officer, supervisor, field training officer, rookie, reserve officer and non- sworn employee of the year and bestows dozens of other awards, including the Medal of Honor and the Medal of Valor.