(SACRAMENTO, CA.) — California leaders, law enforcement agencies, and families gathered at two solemn events to honor officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
On Thursday, April 30, Sacramento Police Department, Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, Elk Grove Police Department, Galt Police Department, and the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office attended the 24th Annual Sacramento Police Sheriff’s Memorial Remembrance Ceremony at Woodlake Park.
(Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper (left) and Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester (right) lead a procession during the 24th Annual Sacramento Police and Sheriff’s Memorial Remembrance Ceremony. Image credit: Sacramento Police Department.)
The Sacramento Police Department reflected on the importance of the local memorial in a message shared on Facebook, noting, “This ceremony serves as a time to honor and remember the 44 officers, deputies, and investigators who have died in the line of duty in the Sacramento area dating back to the 1850s.”
“Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” added Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office in an Instagram post.
The following week, Governor Gavin Newsom joined hundreds from the law enforcement community for the annual California Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony at the State Capitol. This year’s event honored 13 fallen officers, including 12 who died in 2025 and one from 2008. Among those recognized were two from our region: Deputy Paul W. DeRouen, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department — End of Watch: March 29, 2008; and Officer Osmar Rodarte, Marysville Police Department — End of Watch: March 26, 2025.
(Governor Gavin Newsom (center) at the California Peace Officers’ Memorial, which took place May 3-4. Photo credit: Governor Gavin Newsom.)
“The officers we honor today represent the very best of California,” Governor Newsom said, in a news release. “They ran toward danger on behalf of people they didn’t know… Their legacy is lasting — in the lives they saved, the communities they protected and the example they set for all of us.”
The memorial events spanned two days. The first evening featured a Candlelight Vigil at the Memorial Monument, a solemn tribute to the profound sacrifices made by fallen officers. As dusk settled, friends, colleagues, and community members gathered while the families of the Honored Officers walked together in solidarity, pausing to remember and celebrate their loved ones.
The following morning included a series of formal ceremonial events: a Memorial Procession of law enforcement vehicles, a Walk of Honor for the immediate family members of officers being enrolled and their department escorts, and the Enrollment Ceremony, during which the names of newly enrolled officers were formally added to the Memorial Monument.
The event honored 11 additional officers from across California, representing agencies in Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles County, Baldwin Park, La Mesa, and Alhambra. Governor Newsom ordered flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space flown at half‑staff for the day.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office reflected on the lasting impact of these losses in a Facebook post, noting, “Behind every name etched into the memorial are the families left behind, especially the children who grow up without their mother or father. These kids carry the sacrifice for the rest of their lives. Please keep the families of our fallen heroes in your thoughts not just today, but every day.”
Community members also echoed that sentiment, posting heartfelt messages of remembrance and gratitude. Several noted the enduring support networks available to families, including the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), which assists many officers with prior military service. “Their family members have lifelong support… no matter how long their service was or how they died,” one commenter wrote on the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post.
Others reflected on personal experiences with local deputies. Sacramento resident Timothy Harper recounted interactions with Deputy Danny Oliver and Deputy Bob French, saying, “They weren’t just cops, they were protectors… There’s meaning to those [Highway 50] signs to those who knew them.”
Many comments spoke simply to the emotion of the day:
“It’s such a touching, vivid reminder of what a sacrifice the family makes as well as the officer,” one commenter shared.
“Never ever forget the officers, and the families — they get hit harder than anyone,” wrote another.
Dozens more offered brief reflections: “My heart goes out to their loved ones,” “Rest in peace, heroes,” “Heartbreaking,” “Amazing,” “God bless you all,” and “Walking Heaven’s Beat forevermore.”
(California Peace Officers’ Memorial. Photo credit: Governor Gavin Newsom.)
The California Peace Officers’ Memorial stands as a lasting tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to public safety — and to the families and communities who continue to carry their memory.
(24th Annual Sacramento Police and Sheriff’s Memorial Remembrance Ceremony. Image credit: Sacramento Police Department.)
The Sacramento Police Department added that both memorial ceremonies “serve to formally enroll California peace officers who have died in the line of duty the preceding year, pay tribute to the over 1,670 officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and to honor the families left behind.”
Watch the California Peace Officers’ Memorial Candlelight Vigil 2026 on Sacramento County Sheriff's Office YouTube.
Submit Sacramento County tips and story ideas to Sarah Denos at sarahkdenos@gmail.com.
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