How Northern Californians continue to honor fallen officers

The best way people can support [law enforcement] is by not forgetting the sacrifice made by the men and women who died while protecting our community.  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — According to the National Sheriff’s Association, Davis Police Officer Natalie Corona is one of seven fallen officers across the country to be killed in the line of duty in 2019.  

“We all understand that’s part of the job when you’re trying to take a felony suspect into custody and you get into a shootout, we know that can happen,” said Kevin Mickelson, President of the Sacramento County Deputy Sheriff’s Association. “What’s really irritating is the ambushes, because there’s nothing you can really do to prepare for that.”
Mickelson also leads the California Peace Officers Memorial Foundation.

“Anytime an officer is killed in the line of duty, it’s like you lose a member of your family, and this one was just so different because she was so young,” Mickelson added.

He says there aren’t enough words to thank the community for its support during these tough times for law enforcement.

RELATED: Fallen Davis police officer Natalie Corona honored in Davis, funeral arrangements announced

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“The communities overwhelmingly support these fallen officers and their families financially – but then if you look at the weeks of the funerals, post funeral – the blue bows that get tied all over the place,” explained Mickelson. “There are still bows up today if you were to drive Mark Stasyusk’s neighborhood.”

While those gestures mean a tremendous amount for members of law enforcement and the fallen officers’ families, Mickelson told ABC10 the best way people can support them is by not forgetting the sacrifice made by the men and women who died while protecting our community.

“People will move on with their lives and in two weeks, a month from now, we will have our next fallen officer and that community will be saddened and be dealing with it, but it’s our responsibility to never forget our fallen officers,” Mickelson said.

Author: Daniela Pardo
Published: 6:11 PM PST January 14, 2019
Updated: 5:37 AM PST January 15, 2019