Santa Cruz police show solidarity by promoting respect for law enforcement
Officers and emergency responders in Santa Cruz County said Thursday they were hoping to show solidarity during a time of heightened scrutiny for law enforcement, by gathering at the Santa Cruz Police Department.
Their effort comes as some departments across the country are coping during difficult times. They’re also recognizing the two officers killed in New York last month and all officers killed in the line of duty.
New Year’s Day marked a moment of reflection for Santa Cruz law enforcement officers, as well as, Santa Cruz Fire, Watsonville PD, Scotts Valley PD and the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s office. Representatives from these agencies joined residents calling for more respect and dignity for those who put their lives on the line every day.
“The overwhelming number, the majority of law enforcement that are honorable and good, they’re out there doing a wonderful job, supporting our communities, supporting our children, but it’s not being shown,” said a woman who only wanted to be identified by her first name, Jennie.
The gathering came almost two years after Sgt. Butch Baker and Detective Elizabeth Butler were killed, ambushed by a gunman during a routine house check. That incident became a pivotal moment for the community.
“You don’t recognize the magnitude of an incident like that and the impact that it has on you as an agency, as a community, as a police chief, until it happens to you,” Santa Cruz Police Chief Kevin Vogel said.
While losing two officers is still fresh in their minds, Santa Cruz officers said they’ve learned other departments will always be there to help pick up the pieces. A blanket, with badges from departments across the country, was given to Santa Cruz police by the father of a fallen officer in Sacramento. Officers said it will soon hang in the lobby of the police department as a permanent reminder.
“You know they’re out giving a ticket and they get hit by a car. I mean you don’t see that coming and then someone like me, someone like my friends, we get that message, we get that call, we get that knock on the door,” Jennie said.
