Dallas police ambush: The victims

Heather Pelat, Media General – DALLAS (MEDIA GENERAL) -- Five police officers were shot and killed in downtown Dallas Thursday night during what was a peaceful protest over fatal police shootings of black men in Louisiana and Minnesota earlier this week.

A total of 12 officers were shot, some from the Dallas Police Department and others with Dallas Rapid Transit Police Department. Of the seven injured, many have been released from the hospital.

Two civilians were also injured in the ambush.

The information about the victims below will be updated as additional details are released.

Brent Thompson, 43, Dallas Rapid Transit Police Department

Officer Brent Thompson, 43, was a newlywed married just two weeks. His bride, Emily, also works for the Dallas Rapid Transit Police Department but was not on duty at the protest.

Rapid Transit Police Chief James Spiller described Thompson as a "courageous" and "great guy."

Thompson is the first DART officer killed in the line of duty. He joined the force in 2009.

Michael Krol, 40, Dallas Police Department

Officer Michael Krol was a Michigan native who previously worked for the Wayne County Sheriff's Office in the Detroit area.

According to the news release, Krol worked in the county jail system from 2003 to 2007.

Detriot media reported Krol moved to Dallas in 2007 where he became a police officer with the Dallas Police Department.

"We are saddened by the loss of the dedicated officers in Dallas—one of whom was a former member of this agency—and also the wounding of the other officers," Wayne County Sheriff Beny Napoleon said in a statement. "Those officers made the ultimate sacrifice and died honoring their oaths to protect and serve. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families and also the Dallas Police Department."

Patrick Zamarippa, 32, Dallas Police Department

The Washington Post identified Patrick Zamarripa as one of the Dallas Police Department officers killed in Thursday night's ambush.

According to the Post, Zamarripa survived three tours in Iraq before joining the Dallas Police Department five years ago.

He leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter and stepson. His stepbrother posted on Twitter he "couldn't be prouder."

According to Zamarripa's Twitter bio, he loved his job. "Addicted to the thrill of this job," Zamarripa wrote. "I own the night."

Michael Smith, 55, Dallas Police Department

A veteran officer of the Dallas Police Department, Sgt. Michael Smith was known as conscientious and professional, according to the Dallas Morning News.

"He was an officer who cared so deeply that he would even dip into his own pocket to pay for his training if needed," the paper reported.

Lorne Ahrens, 48, Dallas Police Department

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A resident of Burleson, Texas, Senior Corporal Lorne Ahrens was a former semi-pro football player and 14-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department, according to The Washington Post.

He leaves behind a wife, 10-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son.

How to donate

A donation fund has been set up to support the fallen officers. Visit ATODallas.org to read more or donate.