Protect and Serve Night Honors San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Heroes
Photo Courtesy of: Donte' Cooper
From left: Ticket executive Sean Peterson, team member Josh Beeson and front desk clerk Annalisa Lorangeo worked to support two San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officers.
Photo Courtesy of: Donte' Cooper
This County Sheriff’s Department’s automobile was on display for fans and supporters to see while coming in and out of the 66ers’ baseball game.
Photo Courtesy of: Donte' Cooper
The vehicle was on display throughout the night.
Photo Courtesy of: Donte' Cooper
66ers mascot Bernie comes to greet and hug fan Daniel Hernandez during the Protect and Serve Night event.
Photo Courtesy of: Donte' Cooper
From left: IE 66ers Assistant General Manager Ryan English and media relations intern Katelyn take a moment to show their support for local heroes.
Photo Courtesy of: Donte' Cooper
Inland Empire 66ers hosted a Protect and Serve Night to honor the efforts and the bravery of two local law enforcement officials who fought against the terrorism of ex-LAPD cop Christopher Dorner this last February.
Photo Courtesy of: Donte' Cooper
From left: Amanda, Angel, Britain, Danielle and Isabel cheer on the 66ers while supporting the Collins and MacKay families.
Photo Courtesy of: Donte' Cooper
Waiting to play ball while in the dugout, Inland Empire 66ers teammates sport their new jerseys, which represented the cause of the special baseball event.
Photo Courtesy of: Donte' Cooper
Headed back to the dugout, infielder Brian Hernandez shows off his dedicated uniform.
Photo Courtesy of: Donte' Cooper
The names of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department law enforcement officials Alex Collins and Jeremiah MacKay were printed on the sleeves of the 66ers special uniforms in support of the night's cause.
Photo Courtesy of: Donte' Cooper
Two sheriffs from Riverside and San Bernardino counties battle it out during the doughnut-eating contest.
Photo Courtesy of: Rey Escarzaga
Local leaders paying respect to the men, women, and families who have given so much.
Photo Courtesy of: Rey Escarzaga
The tribute to the City of San Bernardino.
Photo Courtesy of: Rey Escarzaga
A snapshot of the field fly-over.
Photo Courtesy of: Rey Escarzaga
Community members paid respect to the men, women, and families who have given so much to protect their communities.
Photo Courtesy of: Rey Escarzaga
The family of former San Bernardino Sheriff’s Detective Jeremiah MacKay, who was killed during the recent Christopher Dorner manhunt, celebrates the support of their community.
Photo Courtesy of: Rey Escarzaga
San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon and Sheriff’s Deputy Alex Collins, who was injured during the Christopher Dorner manhunt, at the Protect and Serve Night. Collins threw the first pitch at the game.
Photo Courtesy of: Rey Escarzaga
Residents stood in honor of the heroes.
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By Breeanna Jent, Staff Writer &
Kimberly Cooper, Community Writer
07/26/2013 at 08:25 AM
The San Manuel Stadium was packed last Saturday evening as the community came together to honor two heroic officers.
San Bernardino County detective Jeremiah MacKay and sheriff’s deputy Alex Collins and their families were honored during the Inland Empire 66ers Protect and Serve Night event.
Detective MacKay was killed in the line of duty while involved in a shootout this past February when ex-Los Angeles cop Christopher Dorner terrorized the Inland Empire area. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Alex Collins was seriously injured in the shootout.
The outpouring of support for the fallen heroes and their families was further exemplified by 66ers teammates themselves, who each wore a special jersey displaying the names of Detective MacKay and Deputy Collins printed on the left sleeves to honor the men. Half the proceeds of each ticket were donated to the families of Det. MacKay and Deputy Collins.
Fans chanted “Take me out to the ball game!” as they snacked on kettle popcorn during the game between the IE 66ers and the Lake Elsinore Storm, while 66ers mascot Bernie danced, hugged and greeted fans.
Tramayne Phillips and Sean Harden targeted plastic cups with Nerf toys and two San Bernardino County Police Department and Riverside County Police Department sheriffs competed with each other in a doughnut-eating contest that night. Inland Empire 66ers Assistant General Manager Ryan English said, “It is a great thing when the community comes together, especially when all the different sheriff departments from across southern California, as well as our fans and other sponsors come to support a great cause.”
Community support has poured out for these families since the tragedies that took place in February at the hands of Dorner. Recently, mountain residents celebrated the opening of a two-acre park dedicated to Det. MacKay located in Lake Arrowhead on a plateau off Highway 173 above Papoose Lake. The park features a playground, picnic area, shelter, walking paths and a viewing deck.
Additionally, Deputy Collins was honored as the Grand Marshal of the Big Bear Heritage Parade, which took place June 15.