Law enforcement honored at 14th annual Memorial | News | thedesertreview.com - The Desert Review

EL CENTRO — The 14th annual Imperial Valley Law Enforcement Memorial ceremony was held outside the Superior courthouse steps in El Centro Friday, May 6 where the community gathered to remember and pay tribute to fallen officers that lost their lives in the line of duty.

“We are joined by survivors of those men and women who are being honored today,” said Undersheriff Fred Miramontes, of the Imperial County Sheriff’s Department.

At the beginning of the ceremony surviving family members and loved ones of the fallen officers were asked to stand and were applauded and honored.

As per organizers, nationally in 2021, 115 officers have been honored. Statewide 33 officers gave their lives in 2021. And today, in 2022, 101 additional officers have fallen nationally. Locally we are honoring 44 officers that have fallen in the line of duty since 1920.

“It is appreciated that many of the federal, state, county, and city law enforcement agencies serving Imperial Valley have individual memorials dedicated to their respected fallen officers,” said Miramontes.

Miramontes then elaborated on a museum memorial idea in honor of local law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

“The goal of the Imperial Valley Law Enforcement Committee is to build and dedicate a memorial wall that will be adjacent to the military memorial wall outside Pioneers Museum,” said Miramontes. “Our fallen officers will take their place beside our nation’s fallen heroes. Located inside will be an additional memorial with information about each law enforcement department and their fallen officers, as displayed on the court lawn. The museum will serve as a central place within this county to honor all those who have died in the line of duty in Imperial Valley.

Imperial Police Department, Chief Leonard Barra was the next to address the podium.

“We gather here today in memory of those who have fallen protecting our community and also paying tribute to our men and women in law enforcement,” said Barra. “Those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our community have demonstrated their dedication to the citizens of Imperial County, our brothers and sisters-in-law enforcement, and the fundamental value of being a police officer.”

Barra explained the importance of law enforcement officers’ roles in the community.

“The men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice deserve our utmost respect, our heart-filled gratitude, and affection,” said Barra. “Without these men and women dedicating their lives to protect our community, our community would crumble, our loved ones would live in fear, and our freedom would not exist.”

Barra then honored the courage that being a police officer entails.

“These officers did not run away from fear or danger, they ran forward and met the challenge head on,” said Barra. “They ran forward, not only because it was their duty but, they also ran forward to protect the rest of us and save lives. No matter what the outcome was. These fallen officers are the definition of courage, dedication, a hero, and the protectors of our community. Every day an officer wears a uniform and puts on a badge, it is a dedication of each of the fallen officers in Imperial County.”

Near the end of his speech, Barra directed attention to surviving family members.

“It’s not easy being an officer, especially today. We also have to remember, it’s not easy being a wife, a husband, a parent, a child, a sibling, or a friend of an officer,” said Barra. “Today is also dedicated to you. We also recognize the sacrifice and the burden you have gone through. We are here with you to honor, pay tribute, and salute the memory of your loved one.”

California Highway Patrol Lieutenant Ernesto Ruedas spoke next.

“As we gather here today there are law enforcement officers at work and some are getting ready to go to work, knowing very well that their lives may be in peril at any moment’s notice,” said Ruedas. “Whether it’s a response to an emergency call or having an encounter with somebody that doesn’t want to be apprehended. Law enforcement officers are discharging their duties freely and faithfully and in doing so, they are endangering their lives and the loves of their families.”

Ruedas also addressed active law enforcement agencies.

“For the active members of Imperial County law enforcement community, do not lose faith in what you do,” said Ruedas. “It is your calling and what you do matters.

Imperial County Supervisor District 3, Michael Kelley was the final speaker before the riderless horse presentation.

“Law enforcement officers uphold our just and democratic laws and exemplify the ideals that make America the greatest country in the world,” said Kelley.

source: https://www.thedesertreview.com/news/law-enforcement-honored-at-14th-annual-memorial/article_f47225ca-cefa-11ec-a317-3bd466f6cc3f.html

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