Los Angeles Police Memorial Ceremony

The Department held a ceremony at Elysian Park Police Academy to pay homage to the 202 men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice and died in the line of duty. Members from the Police Protective League, Command Staff, Department Employees, family and friends, joined Chief Bratton in honoring the fallen officers. Chief Bratton honored not only the profession but also the men and women who gave their lives in the line of duty, "We will always be there to remember their sacrifice."

 

Glynn Martin of the Los Angeles Police Historical Society further paid tribute to an additional twenty three officers, who perished in the line of duty, from 1895-1907, and whose names are not documented  in the Department's Memorial Monument.  Mr. Martin recognized the names somehow slipped from memory, "Tradition may have muted their names, today we stop to remember their lives….remember them anytime we see our brothers and sisters in blue".

The formal Memorial Ceremony included the "Walk of Heroes" procession, followed by a twenty-one rifle volley, performed by the LAPD Honor Guard. Air Support Division executed a Fly Over in the Missing Man Formation. The ceremony culminated with the symbolic sounds of bagpipers playing Amazing Grace and buglers playing Taps.

Comments

[Ed O'Shea]

OUTSTANDING job this time around done by the entire Police Commission and Chief Bratton. They all deserve a big thank you for getting these Officers and their Families the recognition they deserve. Obviously would never have been even considered without the leadership of Commissioner Skobin. I am NO FAN of the Police Commission, but you have got to give credit where credit is due, and they got this passed 5 - 0.

Thank you once again, to the Police Commission and the Chief for doing the right thing and ensuring that the families and our Officers lost are never forgotten. You have kept your word, and in this world, your word is all you have. Good Job.

[CITIZEN]

I heard or read someplace that certain groups don't want the purple heart for officers because it is reserved for soldiers. If this is true why not make it the purple badge instead of the purple heart. Not try to be negative just making a suggestion. It seems that this is taking way to long.

[1957]

Although this award is a great idea, it has it's flaws. First of all, the families of these slain officers have to "apply" for the award. They don't automaticaly get it. So some great-great-grandson of a slain officer has to have the knowledge and ability to "apply" for the award. Wouldn't it have been easier to award it to every slain officer without someone having to apply for it?
Second, the award is also for officers who were gravely injured. Again, why should they have to apply for it? and who will determine if their injury qualifies? I consider a heart attack a disabling injury. Will those who retired due to heart conditions get them? Or do you have to be eating through a straw to get the award. It's a step in the right direction but one that was not thought out quite well.

[Nitsu]

I would like to know why there are 23 names missing from the memorial. It appears no names have been entered since 1995. I don't understand the delay. Is it financial?

[Officer Concern]

Nitsu-

What memorial are you making reference to? I, like you, would want to make sure that all officers are properly acknowledged. Could you please be more specific to which memorial is not currently updated?

Thanks,

Officer Concern