'We're not going to forget': local law enforcement agencies host memorials for fallen officers
Don Archuleta, father of fallen Kern County Sheriff's Deputy Daniel Archuleta, said he and his wife do not refer to Sept. 12, 2004, as the day of their son’s death. They call it Daniel’s “heavenly birthday.”
Despite sometimes remembering the pain and hurt from the loss of his son at the annual memorial services the Kern County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies host during National Police Week, Archuleta said he and his wife have continued to come for the event during the last 20 years.
“It brings me peace, joy and comfort hearing our son’s name mentioned one more time and know that he is being honored for his service,” Archuleta said at Thursday’s KCSO memorial service.
In addition to KCSO’s ceremony Thursday, the Bakersfield Police Department and the California Highway Patrol Bakersfield hosted their own memorial ceremonies to honor fallen peace officers at their respective headquarters. There was also a countywide celebration in front of Kern County Superior Court to remember all 54 peace officers who have died in the line of duty in Kern County since 1873.
Hundreds of peace officers and community members gathered at the ceremonies, some attending more than one of the ceremonies Thursday. The agencies celebrated the lives of fallen officers with different ceremonial activities, such as a 21 gun salute, an overhead flight sequence to honor missing persons and wreath presentations.
BPD Chief Greg Terry said these ceremonies during National Police Week not only recognize officers who have died, but also the ones who continue to serve the community. He said the job of policing is very difficult but necessary in the community.
“It’s an emotional day as we pause and remember those that have been killed and recognize their impact of their lives on a personal level because for many of us, I know some of those men who names are on the wall,” Chief Terry said, referring to the memorial wall in front of the police station. “We also promise that we’re not going to forget their service.”
Sheriff Donny Youngblood called the day a celebration of life. Youngblood said it is probably the most important day of the year for KCSO.
“We get the opportunity to relive the day with the ones we lost. We relive their laugh, their smile, their sense of humor and their sense of honor,” Youngblood said.
Jerry Nelson, father of fallen BPD officer David Nelson, honors his son’s legacy through scholarships to help students looking to train at the Bakersfield Police Department Academy. He said it is a way to remember his son’s time at the academy and recognize David’s leadership.
Jerry Nelson said the ceremony in front of BPD’s headquarters Thursday was special because not every city celebrates their police department like Bakersfield does.
“You don’t find this happening in very many cities. They take a lot of pride in what they do and how they feel about their officers, especially their fallen officers,” Nelson said.
CHP Mojave spokesman Aaron Maurer said he found the ceremonies encouraging, as they show local officers have the support of their community.
“It’s important to remember the sacrifice that have been made not only for us but also the community because it is a very rewarding career but it’s also a very dangerous career,” Maurer said.
KCSO Undersheriff Larry McCurtain said the community continues to support law enforcement and deputies are honored to serve Kern County.
“In recent years, it has become difficult to serve in law enforcement due to certain perceptions cast on this profession. Our community knows better and continues to support law enforcement,” McCurtain said.
