Remembering fallen Santa Cruz Police Officers killed in the line of duty 5 years ago…

Monday marks five years since Santa Cruz Police Sergeant Butch Baker and Detective Elizabeth Butler were killed in the line of duty.

February 26th, 2013 the officers were contacting a suspect in a sexual assault case when the suspect opened fire, killing them both.

“It was probably the darkest day in our town’s history. When there are assaults on our police officers, it’s really an assault on our whole community. They’re our safety net, and when something happens to them it happens to all of us.” says Take Back Santa Cruz representative Samantha Olden.

A memorial garden outside of the Department has been dedicated to the fallen officers. They are the first two killed in the line of duty in the history of the Department.

The group Take Back Santa Cruz has planned a candle light vigil to remember the officers.

Olden says the vigil is to not only honor the sacrifice those officers gave, but to also show support of those still serving and protecting, “they do not get the appreciation that they so deserve. The sacrifices they make and in this situation, the ultimate sacrifice being made. We can’t thank them enough. But we’re also there to show the rest of their family, their law enforcement family and all law-enforcement that we appreciate them too and we honor them.”

It is scheduled for 6:00pm Monday. Organizers are asking those who attend to bring candles in their honor.

The department will also hold a separate ceremony honoring the officers at 3:23pm, the exact time the officers were killed five years ago.