SLO County law enforcement gathers to honor fallen California peace officers

Kaytlyn Leslie
·1 min read

Law enforcement agencies from across San Luis Obispo County gathered to honor fallen officers from around California at a special memorial ceremony Thursday.

The Arroyo Grande Police Department hosted the annual Peace Officer Memorial at 10 a.m. at Heritage Square Park, honoring the memory of officers killed in the line of duty in 2023.

The memorial came at the tail end of National Police Week, which is celebrated the week of May 15 “to honor the individuals who risk their lives every day in the line of duty,” according to a department news release.

California Highway Patrol officer Joseph Ligon places a rose as names of the 7 California peace officers who died in the line of duty were read. The annual Peace Officer Memorial was hosted by the Arroyo Grande Police Department and held at Heritage Square Park seen here on May 16, 2024.
California Highway Patrol officer Joseph Ligon places a rose as names of the 7 California peace officers who died in the line of duty were read. The annual Peace Officer Memorial was hosted by the Arroyo Grande Police Department and held at Heritage Square Park seen here on May 16, 2024.

“On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, we celebrate the remarkable courage of our law enforcement community and honor the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their communities,” the release said.

The fallen California law enforcement officers remembered Thursday were:

  • Deputy Darnell Calhoun, Riverside County Sheriff’s Office

  • Officer Gonzalo Carrasco, Jr., Selma Police Department

  • Deputy Brett Harris, Riverside County Sheriff’s Office

  • Deputy Alejandro Martinez, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office

  • Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office

  • Officer Chad Swanson, Manhattan Beach Police Department

  • Officer Tuan Le, Oakland Police Department

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Honor Guard posts flags at the start of the memorial. The annual Peace Officer Memorial was hosted by the Arroyo Grande Police Department and held at Heritage Square Park, seen here on May 16, 2024.
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Honor Guard posts flags at the start of the memorial. The annual Peace Officer Memorial was hosted by the Arroyo Grande Police Department and held at Heritage Square Park, seen here on May 16, 2024.