Merced Police Department will honor fallen officer

The Merced Police Department will honor Officer Stephan Gray, who was killed in the line of duty 12 years ago, in a memorial service Friday.

Gray died on April 15, 2004, at age 34 when he was shot by a gang member who remained on the run for nearly three weeks before he was captured. The killer was convicted and now sits on death row.

Gray was a seven-year police veteran. He left behind a wife and three children.

“Officers have pledged to never forget the duty, honor and sacrifice that Officer Gray demonstrated as a peace officer in our community,” police Capt. Bimley West said in a statement.

Every year, Merced police and Gray’s family hold a memorial around April 15 to remember and honor Gray’s life and service.

Two years ago, the department unveiled a memorial to fallen officers in front of its headquarters at 611 W. 22nd St.

This year’s memorial to honor Gray will be held at the Police Department at 9:30 a.m. The Police Department’s lobby will be closed from 9:30 to 11 a.m. while the memorial takes place.

This story was originally published April 13, 2016 at 6:30 PM with the headline "Merced Police Department will honor fallen officer."