Remembering California’s finest
San Jose, Stockton, Bakersfield, Hayward, San Bernardino, Downey and Riverside, seven areas where five officers, two k-9’s, and countless lives were forever changed in 2015. A reality that doesn’t seem to be slowing.
“One year we had 12. Even in 2016 we’ve had two so far, in the state. I mean nationwide we’re already at 33,” said Monterey County Peace Officer Association President Brandon Casarez.
Despite the physical danger police also remain under attack by public opinion.
“The biggest change is people perception about Law Enforcement. I think people are much more involved in what officers are doing at this point,” said Pacific Grove Police Commander Rory Lakind.
And while there’s always been an element of scrutiny and danger that comes with the job, finding men and women to do that job is also a challenge.
“Recruitment is always a challenge I think that with the danger involved people look at other opportunities for civic duties,” said Lakind.
“The procession we start at the marina airport at 5:00. We go down Reservation into the city of marina, and we come up around St.Judes Church. We have a service that starts at 6:00 then we hold a little dinner afterwards,” said Casarez.
This is all part of National Police Week which was started back in 1962 by President John Kennedy.
From the Monterey County Peace Officers Association:
The procession (parade of vehicles) will commence at 5:30 p.m. traveling west on Reservation Road, South on Del Monte Boulevard, East on Reindollar Avenue, North on Zanetta Avenue, East on Hillcrest Avenue arriving St. Jude Church. Police Memorial Service will commence at 6:00 p.m. Expect traffic delays.
A Pizza & Dessert Reception to follow at 7:00 p.m. for $15/person – Reservations requested by emailing joyjunsay@comcast.net or calling 831-320-0302.
