Honoring peace officers this week

Across the country this week and throughout the month of May, communities are observing National Police Week. It’s a time of reflection as we remember the peace officers who lost their lives protecting the residents of the jurisdictions in which they served.

Last week, the California Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation sponsored its annual memorial service honoring California’s fallen officers. Thousands of family members, fellow officers and residents came together in Sacramento to remember those who died in the line of duty. OC Park Ranger Vicky Malton, SSO Henry Leber and Sr. Deputy Coroner Artin Baron were among the OCEA members paying their respects.

Tomorrow evening, May 18th, the City of Garden Grove is honoring its fallen officers at 5 p.m., in front of Garden Grove Police Headquarters, at 11301 Acacia Parkway. The public is invited. It’s a moving and meaningful ceremony that includes the families of the City’s five fallen officers and highlights the sacrifices loved ones make when a peace officer puts on a gun and a badge.

On May 25, The Orange County Chiefs’ of Police and Sheriff’s Association is inviting the public to attend a memorial service and candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. at the Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy, 15991 Armstrong Avenue in Tustin. The ceremony is steeped in tradition with honor guards, bag pipes and a riderless horse symbolizing a fallen hero. The location at the Training Academy is also a place of reflection where the sacrifices of our peace officers can be remembered.

Last year, 11 peace officers died in the line of duty in Californa. We thank the peace officers among OCEA’s ranks, including our Probation officers, Sheriff’s Special Officers, Coroners and Park Rangers. Yours are difficult and dangerous jobs performed with professional pride and dedication. National Police Week can help us remember that and the sacrifices peace officers make every day to protect us.

Publication Date: May 17, 2017