Posts
Monday, December 14th starting at 6:00pm Riverside County held a Blue Light Ceremony at the County Administrative Center on Lemon St (downtown Riverside), honoring all those that have died while serving the community, in the roll of a law enforcement officer.It started with the pledge of allegiance and an a capella rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.
Sheriff Stan Sniff gave the formal address, reminding all those in attendance how brave officers go into the direction of danger, to help people they don't know, when others would be heading away from the scene.
The honor roll included the reading of 62 names of officers that have died while on duty since Riverside County's incorporation back in 1893.
The surviving families of several of the fallen officers were in attendance, and were each given a single white rose.
Before the ceremony officially ended, blue glow sticks were handed out to those in attendance. At the count of three, we all activated them and they turned out the lights for a moment. Not really long enough to get more than this shot, but it was stirring while it lasted.
Below are 2016 Mayors of Lake Elsinore and Wildomar, with their shared Chief of Police Captain Leonard Hollingsworth.
 |
| 2016 Lake Elsinore Mayor Brian Tisdale, Captain Leonard Hollingsworth and 2016 Wildomar Mayor Bridgette Moore. |
It was a great honor to attend this event and to shake hands with many of the people that have been elected to stand watch over our county. Including Sheriff Stan Sniff, and DA Michael Hestrin. I also met murdered officer Ryan Bonaminio's father.
I had followed his son's case back when it happened (2010) and though I was tongue tied (what does one say in such a situation) it was a privilege to shake his hand. Actually, it was his forefinger, because his hands were filled with plates of food at the reception following the ceremony.
Many thanks to the officers that put themselves in the line of fire for our behalf. Even for those that are just as likely to say unfair things about them to their faces. May you always be safe.
• • •
“Training should hurt, but never injure…if there is no pain, there is no fear…if there is no fear, then you’re not really training.”
― T. Blauer
Wildomar Rap tip of the day: when you encounter a police officer, even if it's to be handed a traffic ticket you don't deserve... just say, "yes sir" and "thank you", and you'll soon be ready to continue on with your day.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Let's hear what you have to say... for other inquiries try the email listed under "view my complete profile" but if you want to discuss a blog topic, I'll only do it in this comment section, not by email.