In memory of those who laid down their lives in 2023, close to a hundred people gathered for the Peace Officers Memorial at the Longmont Civic Center Mall on Wednesday to pay tribute to officers who lost their lives in 2023.
The 28th annual ceremony in Longmont began with the posting of colors, a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by CORE Co-Responder Clinician Harley Whitney and the “Pledge of Allegiance” recited by four members of the Longmont Police Explorers.
President Biden ordered flags to be at half-staff in honor of National Police Week and Peace Officer Memorial Day as noted when entering Longmont Civic Center for the ceremony. Since a declaration in 1962 signed by President John F. Kennedy, Peace Officers Memorial Day is designated as a day within National Police Week that recognizes law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 136 federal, state, county, municipal, military, tribal and campus officers died in the line of duty in 2023, a 39% decrease from the year before. Of those 136, four Colorado officers were honored at the ceremony.
- Sergeant Michael Moran, Cortez Police Department, (EOW 11/29/23)
- Community Parole Officer Christine Guerin-Sandoval, Colorado Dept of Corrections (EOW 9/28/23)
- Airman Trinity Leann Reinhart, US Air Force Security Forces (EOW 9/16/23)
- Police Officer Julian Becerra, Fountain Police Department (EOW 2/11/2023)
With a proclamation by Longmont City Mayor Joan Peck to hearby honor this week in the city of Longmont and sentiment of the rights and protection of all citizens, the ceremony began after a prayer by Chaplain and Pastor at the Journey Church Rick Ebbers.
Several poems were read throughout the ceremony including “Deep Blue” by Bradley Police (IL) Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic who was killed in the line of duty in 2022. An officer for the Longmont Police and an officer from Boulder Police each stood beside a table with the name, photo and information of the four Colorado officers lighting a candle and saluting as their names were read.
Longmont Police Chief Jeff Satur talked about the bonds of the local police departments in the area including Mead, Boulder and the Boulder County Sheriff with officers all present at the memorial.
“Ties of companionship, solidarity and comfort in a time of sorrow,” he said reflecting on the 58 police officers lost in the line of duty across the nation this year. “Serving is a calling, not just a job.”
Satur echoed the sentiments of the four officers honored at the ceremony who stood for justice, sacrifice and the greater good. Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn just returned from standing shoulder to shoulder at the National Monument with other officers and families of those lost in the line of duty in Washington D.C.
“They come to work and willingly agree to lay down their life for people they never met or that may not appreciate the work they do,” said the President of the Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation. “Together we commit to never forget the sacrifices of our fallen heroes.”
Boulder Country Sheriff Curtis Johnson talked about the thoughts of leaving a legacy and setting an example for others to inherit.
“We all have an opportunity to leave a legacy. Seize each chance to make an impression,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with a prayer, gun salute, the playing of “Taps” by trumpet and “Amazing Grace” by bagpipes. A reception in the lobby followed the service.
