Ahead of National Police Week (May 12-18) in Washington, DC, local agencies across the country conduct their own ceremonies to honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

On Thursday, May 2, during a Noon-time ceremony, we honored the fallen at the Sacramento County Police and Sheriff Memorial.  Sacramento County Deputy Sheriff Mark Stasyuk (assigned to the Rancho Cordova Police Department) was enrolled onto the Memorial with his family and agency in attendance.

Statewide ceremonies began with a candlelight vigil on Sunday, May 5.  Participants walked from the Hyatt, through Capitol Park to the California Peace Officers’ Memorial Monument at 10th Street and Capitol Mall.  The solemn ceremony ended just as a drizzle of rain began to fall.

While honored families met privately with Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday morning, the law enforcement caravan made its way from the CHP Academy in West Sacramento to the Memorial Monument.  The families of the ten officers being honored this year were escorted down the West Steps for the Walk of Honor to begin the enrollment ceremony.

This year’s honored officers are:

Deputy Steven Belanger, Los Angeles Co. Sheriff’s Department, EOW: February 6, 2018
Officer Greggory Casillas V, Pomona Police Department, EOW: March 9, 2018
Deputy Ryan Douglas Zirkle, Marin Co. Sheriff’s Office, EOW: March 15, 2018
Officer Kirk A. Griess, CHP – Solano Area Office, EOW: August 10, 2018
Deputy Mark V. Stasyuk, Sacramento Co. Sheriff’s Office, EOW: September 17, 2018
Sergeant Ronald L. Helus, Ventura Co. Sheriff’s Office, EOW: November 8, 2018
Deputy Tony Hinostroza III, Stanislaus Co. Sheriff’s Department, EOW: November 25, 2018
Corporal Ronil Singh, Newman Police Department, EOW: December 26, 2018
Deputy Marshal Maurice W. Halloran, Vernon Police Department, EOW: November 15, 1913
Deputy Henry V. Snowbelt, Lake Co. Sheriff’s Department, EOW: October 2, 1937

Chief Randy Richardson of the Newman Police Department gave the keynote address.  He was emotional as he addressed the family of Corporal Ronil Singh and was reserved, but direct in his criticisms: “Ron knew he was the protector between good and evil.  That evil can only thrive when good men and women do nothing.  And, the policies that are coming from across the street are making it more difficult for us to do things.”