Santa Cruz Police honors two officers killed in the line of duty

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) Santa Cruz Police and locals came together to remember two officers killed in the line of duty on February 26 seven years ago.

3:23 p.m. marked the moment Sergeant Loran "Butch" Baker and Detective Elizabeth Butler were fatally shot.

People brought flowers to the Baker-Butler Memorial Garden outside the police department Wednesday and the Santa Cruz Police Department Honor Guard performed a ceremony.

While it’s a tough day for those who gathered, they said it’s important to honor their sacrifice.

“They were taken too early in this–we shouldn’t be here today, but since it did happen, we need to make sure that we honor them and that we ban together and still honor their memory for giving so much and then ultimately giving their lives for this community and for this department,” Deputy Chief of Operations Dan Flippo said.

Officers said Baker and Butler were outstanding members and will never forget their sacrifice.