SACRAMENTO - On May 2, 2016, the California Peace Officers' Memorial Foundation held its annual memorial ceremony at 10th and Capitol Mall to pay respect and to honor California Peace Officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
"We must never forget our sisters and brothers in law enforcement who gave everything protecting others, and the families they've left behind," said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona. "Tragically, we lose officers every year. Their lives were cut short and their loved ones carry on with both sadness and strength. We comfort, we pray for, and we help those left behind. "
Sergeant Kevin Mickelson, president of the California Peace Officers' Memorial Foundation, and California Fraternal Order of Police 1st vice president, welcomed those in attendance which included Master of Ceremonies Attorney General Kamala Harris, Guest Speaker Governor Jerry Brown, peace officers from throughout California and the families of fallen officers.
The 2016 memorial enrollment ceremony paid 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 was Long Beach Police Officer William H. Waggoner, December 18, 1954.
"This ceremony and the candlelight vigil that was held the night before, is a stark, somber reminder of the ultimate sacrifice," said Barcelona. "Listening to spouses and children who have lost the very anchor of their families, is emotional. Even when years have gone by, they still miss, and mourn for their husband, wife, son, daughter, mom or dad."
The California Peace Officers' Memorial is located at 10th and Capitol Mall for the public to visit and pay respect to California's fallen officers.
The 40th Annual California Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremony Program:
