“It is both important and humbling to stop what we’re doing and truly reflect on the sacrifices of our brethren, our fellow law enforcement officers whose lives ended abruptly while protecting the citizens of their communities.  They and their surviving family members sacrificed it all and they are true heroes.” – CSLEA FOP Lodge 77 President Alan Barcelona

SACRAMENTO – On May 1 and 2, 2016, the California Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation will hold its annual candlelight vigil and memorial enrollment ceremony honoring the men and women in California law enforcement  who have fallen  in the line of duty, and their surviving family members.

The candlelight vigil is scheduled for Sunday, May 1st at dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m.) and the enrollment ceremony will be held May 2nd from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., both at the California Peace Officers’ Memorial on Capitol Mall across from the State Capitol.

“Although these ceremonies are filled with sorrow, we ask the public to attend these events, along with our brothers and sisters in law enforcement, to show support for the fallen officers’ families and to let them know, we will never forget the men and women who laid down their lives protecting others,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) FOP Lodge 77 President Alan Barcelona.

This year’s memorial enrollment ceremony pays tribute to:

• San Jose Police Officer Michael Johnson, EOW: March 24, 2015
• Bakersfield Police Officer David Joseph Nelson, EOW: June 26,2015
• Hayward Police Sergeant Scott Paul Lunger, EOW: July 22, 2015
• San Bernardino Police Officer Bryce E. Hanes, EOW: November 5, 2015

And enrolled from prior years – Long Beach Police Officer William H. Waggoner, December 18, 1954

“California Fraternal Oder of Police 1st Vice President Kevin Mickelson serves as  president of the California Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation and California FOP’s Treasurer Joe Perez serves as the Foundation’s treasurer.  I would like to thank both of them for their time and dedication to California’s fallen officers and their families, and these two annual ceremonies that mean so much to all of us.  To the families of the fallen officers, our thoughts are always with you.”