The Amarillo Police Department posted a message to Facebook on Wednesday in remembrance of APD officer Justin Scherlen, who passed away five years ago this month.

According to APD, Scherlen passed away on August 4, 2016 after his patrol car was struck by another vehicle 11 months earlier. Following the accident, Scherlen was rescued from his car by rescue personnel and underwent multiple surgeries and rehabilitation.

Scherlen passed away while on a family trip to New Mexico in 2016.

In the post to Facebook, APD thanked Scherlen for his service and remembered his dedication to the community, saying, “Thank you for your service Officer Scherlen. We will never forget.”

Scherlen had served 11 years with the Amarillo Police Department, assigned to the Uniformed Division. Scherlen also served on APD’s Honor Guard and Dive Team.