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COVER STORY: A FINAL TRIBUTENational Peace Officers' Memorial Week offers a chance for family and fellow officers to give final respects to law enforcement heroes being remembered at memorial ceremonies in California and Washington, D.C. We begin with a feature on the National Memorial, followed by the California Memorial.  Remembering California's Heroesby Perry Speth, CCPOA State Secretaryphotos by Joe Baumann and Perry Speth The California Peace Officers Memorial is held each year to remember and honor the sacrifi ces of the more than 1,400 peace officers killed in the line of duty since California became a state. It is a somber and heartrending event that is attended by most state dignitaries, and brings hundreds of people to the street in front of the state Capitol. The event kicked off in a special way this year as correctional peace officers from around the state were joined by other law enforcement officers and supporters on a motorcycle run from Southern California to Sacramento. Bikers joined in the May 4 run as it traveled up Interstate 5, gathering approximately 250 riders by the time they hit their destination -- a barbecue reception at CCPOA's West Sacramento headquarters. Adding to the feelings of camaraderie that swelled each time another rider rode into the parking lot, a tribute bike was on display, its body featuring paintings recognizing American heroes, including correctional officers and other law enforcement, firefighters, and the military. Later in the evening, as part of the statewide memorial events, a candlelight vigil was held at the In the Line of Duty monument, across the street from the state Capitol. Family members of all the peace officers who gave their lives in the line of duty last year, as well as hundreds of supporters, gathered to light candles and offer prayers for all whose names were being added to the monument, and those already there.  The following morning was the memorial ceremony that began with a Walk of Honor. Thousands of peace officers from all over the state, dressed in their Class A's, who arrived in squad cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and on horseback, stood shoulder to shoulder to create a pathway that led from the Capitol steps, past the lawn, and across the street to the monument. California's Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante, and Attorney General Bill Lockyer led the surviving family members through the pathway to their seats.This year, CIM C.O. Manuel Gonzalez, killed by an inmate in January 2005, was added to the list of heroes on the monument. He was one of 18 officers killed in the line of duty in 2005, heroes whose courage and dedication to public safety were being recognized that day. When each officer's name was read aloud, a lone white dove was released, as uniformed officers representing the department of the fallen officer would stand and salute. When Gonzalez's name was read aloud, Assemblyman Rudy Bermudez, a parole agent and CCPOA member, stood and saluted along with his fellow correctional peace officers in the crowd. As the ceremony concludes each year, a hauntingly beautiful poem is read aloud. The Monument, written many years ago by George Hahn, a retired Los Angeles police sergeant, is as much a part of the annual ceremonies as is the 13-foot, three-figured bronze monument itself.  THE MONUMENTI never dreamed it would be me, My name for all eternity, Recorded here at this hallowed place, Alas, my name, no more my face. "In the line of duty," I hear them say; My family now the price will pay. My folded flag stained with their tears; We only had those few short years. The badge no longer on my chest, I sleep now in eternal rest. My sword I pass to those behind, And pray they keep this thought in mind. I never dreamed it would be me, And with heavy heart and bended knee, I ask for all here from the past, Dear God, let my name be the last. Continue Reading: Page 1 | Page 2  Print This PageBack to Volume 23, Issue 3 Back to PEACEKeeper Main Page |
