THIRD READING

Bill No: SCR 45

Author: Galgiani (D), et al.

Introduced: 4/25/17

Vote: 21

SUBJECT: California Peace Officers’ Memorial Day

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This resolution designates Monday, May 8, 2017, as California Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, urges all Californians to use that day to honor California peace officers, and recognizes specified California peace officers who were killed in defense of their communities.

ANALYSIS: This resolution makes the following legislative findings:

Monday, May 8, 2017, is California Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, a day Californians observe in commemoration of those noble officers who have tragically sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
California peace officers have a job second in importance to none, and it is a job that is as difficult and dangerous as it is important. The peace officers of California have worked dutifully and selflessly on behalf of the people of this great state, regardless of the peril or hazard to themselves.
By the enforcement of our laws, these same officers have safeguarded the lives and property of the citizens of California and have given their full measure to ensure these citizens the right to be free from crime and violence.
Special ceremonies and observations on behalf of California peace officers provide all Californians with the opportunity to appreciate the heroic men and women who have dedicated their lives to preserving public safety.

This resolution:

Recognizes California’s peace officers who were killed in defense of their communities in 2016:
- Deputy Sheriff Scott Ballantyne, Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, End of Watch: February 10, 2016.
- Officer Nathan Taylor, Calfornia Highway Patrol Gold Run Area, End of Watch: March 13, 2016.
- Officer Jonathan “J.D.” De Guzman, San Diego Police Department, End of Watch: July 28, 2016.
- Sergeant Steve Owen, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, End of Watch: October 5, 2016.
- Officer Jose Gilbert “Gil” Vega, Palm Springs Police Department, End of Watch: October 8, 2016.
- Officer Lesley Zerebny, Palm Springs Police Department, End of Watch: October 8, 2016.
- Deputy Sheriff Jack Hopkins, Modoc County Sheriff’s Department, End of Watch: October 19, 2016.
- Sergeant Alfonso Lopez, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, End of Watch: October 24, 2016.
- Deputy Sheriff Dennis Wallace, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, End of Watch: November 13, 2016.
Recognizes California’s peace officers who were killed in defense of their communities in prior years, but not yet enrolled:
- Officer Paul M. Carlisle, Oakland Police Department, End of Watch: December 1, 2015.
- Sergeant Thomas J. Fonte, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, End of Watch: October 2, 1990.
- Deputy Marshal Frederick F. Moore, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, End of Watch: January 16, 1947.
- Constable Charles W. Winston, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, End of Watch: April 3, 1926.
- Deputy Arthur J. Solomon, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, End of Watch: August 7, 1917.
Designates Monday, May 8, 2017, as California Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, and urges all Californians to remember those individuals who have given their lives for our safety and express appreciation to those who continue to dedicate themselves to making California a safer place in which to live and raise our families.

Comments

According to the author:

Every single day California Peace Officers put their lives on the line for their communities. By going to work every morning they devote themselves to the safety and security of California residents and our visitors.

That safety and security comes at a cost for some peace officers. There is no consolation prize for the family, friends, and colleagues of those we have lost. It is our solemn duty to thank the brave men and women for their ultimate sacrifice to protect those around them.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No

SUPPORT: (Verified 5/2/17)

California Association of Highway Patrolmen

California Peace Officer’s Memorial

Peace Officers Research Association of California

OPPOSITION: (Verified 5/2/17)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: The California Association of Highway Patrolmen and the Peace Officers Research Association of California state in support, “Officers risk their lives on a daily basis and have taken an oath to lay down their lives rather than swerve from the path of duty. Unfortunately, some of them have laid down their lives and paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Nationally, 144 peace officers were killed in 2016. Of those, 11 were in California alone. These officers are heroes and deserve to be recognized and honored for their sacrifice.”

Prepared by: Jonas Austin / SFA / (916) 651-1520

5/3/17 15:15:37

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SCR 45: California Peace Officers' Memorial Day.

Assembly Floor

Senate Floor

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