Slain code officer remembered by city council

7:40 p.m. - At the outset of the regular council meeting, the 9 city council members in attendance paid tribute to Aurora Code Officer Rodney Morales. Selected quotes:

Councilman Larry Beer: "This has obviously been a heart-rending tragedy for the Morales family and all of us in the city of Aurora ... Events like this have made us cry, made us pray."

Councilwoman Deborah Wallace: "No matter what job you have in life, you never know what you can experience ... As a member of the Aurora city council, we all are here to help."

Councilman Brad Pierce: "It's a loss to the Aurora family."

Councilman Bob FitzGerald: "Mr. Morales died in the line of duty and should be honored."

Mayor Ed Tauer: "We had a real tragedy within the city of Aurora this week ... Our hearts are really with you," Tauer said, addressing his comments to the family of Officer Morales. "Every once in a while, even in tragedy, you see who your friends are," he added, referring to the outpouring of support in the community, as well as the aid of the Denver Police Department during the investigation last week.