Yolo County Retired Peace Officers Association host annual ceremony honoring fallen officers
On Thursday afternoon the Yolo County Retired Peace Officers Association held its annual memorial ceremony for fallen officers employed by the various local law enforcement agencies. As a part of National Police Week, which began on May 14, upwards of…
On Thursday afternoon the Yolo County Retired Peace Officers Association held its annual memorial ceremony for fallen officers employed by the various local law enforcement agencies.
As a part of National Police Week, which began on May 14, upwards of 50 community members, elected officials and those employed by local law enforcement agencies in and around Yolo County took the time to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and died in the line of duty by gathering at the site of the Peace Officers Memorial monument located in front of the old historic courthouse at 725 Court St. in Woodland.
Law enforcement agencies in attendance included police departments from Woodland, West Sacramento, Winters and Davis, the California Highway Patrol, the Yolo County Sheffis Office and members of the Yolo County District Attorney's office. A contingency from the Woodland Fire Department was also on hand for the ceremony.
Notable civic leaders in attendance included City Councilmember Tom Stallard and Mayor Pro Tempore Rich Lansburgh.
"It's a wonderful thing about Woodland that we take the time to remember the people who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our community," Stallard said. "I appreciate and respect those who make ceremonies like this happen. The least I can do is come be part of this audience."
Guest speakers Merced and Lupe Corona, parents of Natalie Corona, say a few words during the Yolo County Retired Peace Officers Association's annual ceremony on Thursday, May 16 honoring fallen officers in the line of duty. (Carlos Guerrero/Daily Democrat)
A table with photos of all 12 of the Yolo County law enforcement community protectors lost in the line of duty since 1912 was there for all to pay their respects during the Yolo County Retired Peace Officers Association's annual ceremony on Thursday, May 16. (Carlos Guerrero/Daily Democrat)
The ceremonial wreath that was used during the Yolo County Retired Peace Officers Association's annual ceremony for fallen officers, which took place on Thursday, May 16 in front of the old history courthouse located at 725 Court St. (Carlos Guerrero/Daily Democrat)
Following a few ceremonial words from the Yolo County Retired Peace Officers Association's Don Campbell, who served as the events master of ceremonies, the Yolo County Sheriff's Office performed the Presenting the Colors before Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig and YCRPOA Chair Steve Thorpe presented the ceremonial wreath.
After an invocation prayer from WPD Chaplain Matt Van Peursem, guest speakers Merced and Lupe Corona, parents of fallen DPD Officer Natalie Corona, gave respective speeches.
Afterward, Thorpe read off the 12 names on the memorial plaque while Campbell rang the bell of honor after each name. American Legion Yolo Post 77 members then performed a three-volley rifle salute and taps as the event began to conclude.
Immediately following the ceremony, the Yolo County DA's Office held its annual "Walk to Remember." The one-mile-long loop began at the monument and wound through Woodland, culminating at Heritage Plaza.
"We started the walk through the streets of Woodland specifically to remind the community about this day and these sacrifices," Reisig said. "For the people who are out and about who happen to see the walk, hopefully, they can take a moment to ask themselves why these people are walking. Once they understand why, I hope they'll have an appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice these people have made.
"It's so critical we take these moments to pay our respects. I'm committed to this event as long as I'm the district attorney."
The YCRPOA spearheaded an effort to erect a memorial for fallen Yolo County law enforcement officers. This effort led to the unveiling of the monument in 2013.
Yolo County has lost 12 of its law enforcement community protectors since 1912. Most recently, the murder of Natalie Corona occurred on January 10, 2019.
The following Yolo County Peace Officers are listed as officers who have died in the line of duty, along with the date of their End of Watch and how they died.
California Highway Patrol
Officer Andrew Stevens EOW: Nov. 17, 2005 Cause: Gunfire
Sergeant Gary Wagers EOW: March 15, 2001 Cause: Vehicle Collision
Officer William Freeman EOW: Dec. 22, 1978 Cause: Gunfire
Officer Roy Blecher EOW: Dec. 22, 1978 Cause: Gunfire
Officer Ivan Casselman EOW: Aug. 24, 1935 Cause: Motorcycle Collision
Yolo County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Jose "Tony" Diaz EOW: June 15, 2008 Cause: Gunfire
Deputy Walter Leinberger EOW: Nov. 18, 1943 Cause: Gunfire
Winters Police Department
City Marshall William Rice EOW: Oct. 18, 1912 Cause: Gunfire
West Sacramento Police Department
Officer James McKnight EOW: June 16, 1990 Cause: Gunfire
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