Fallen Peace Officers Get Honored

Sheriff John McMahon and a small contingent of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officials made a solemn trek to the nation’s capital this week to pay their respects to fallen officers at the National Police Week activities in Washington, DC. In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which May 15 falls as a time in which to commemorate those brave law enforcement souls who had made the ultimate sacrifice. One of those honored at this year’s event was Detective Jeremiah MacKay, who lost his life in February of 2013 while attempting to apprehend Christopher Dorner. Activities in the District of Columbia included such events as the 26th Annual Candlelight Ceremony with Honor Guard, the Standing Watch for the Fallen, and a final, deeply emotional wreath-laying ceremony on the lawn of the US Capitol Building. Sheriff McMahon said, “It is an honor beyond words to be able to stand here and salute the men and women heroes of our profession. They deserve our ongoing appreciation, and we will never stop paying them tribute. It is especially moving to be able to see Jeremiah’s name added to the National Memorial, and to be accompanied by Lynette MacKay and family members.” Sheriff McMahon went on to say that it was important for law enforcement officials to take time out of the year to come together at the nation’s capital and “present a united front” on behalf of the fallen. “We take every opportunity to show our respect for peace officers who paid the highest price in the performance of their jobs – whether that opportunity is the Fallen Officers Memorial event in Sacramento, Washington, DC, or at home.” Other activities honoring the fallen in the capital this week included a National Police Challenge 50-Kilometer Relay, a National Police Survivors Conference, and a 19th Annual LawRide for motorcyclists.