Fallen peace officers honored in Merced County

Sixteen peace officers have been killed in the line of duty in Merced County over the last 100 years.

The sacrifices made by those officers were honored Wednesday during a ceremony at the Art Kamangar Center Merced Theatre in downtown Merced. About 200 people attended, the largest public gathering in the 10-year history of the event, Sheriff Vern Warnke said.

“The law enforcement family never forgets and this event is a stark reminder of the lives lost not only to our community but to the families of these brave men,” Warnke said.

Mark Ghilarducci, director of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, served as the event’s keynote speaker.

“It is our duty to never forget their service,” Ghilarducci said. “It is about remembering some of our state’s finest individuals.”

During the service, Livingston police Chief Ruben Chavez and Los Banos police Chief Gary Brizzee read the names of the California peace officers killed in 2014 and this year.

Deputy Aaron Avila and Merced County resident Michael Gutierrez sang. Merced’s Tammy Borges performed “You Raise Me Up.”

Former Sheriff Mark Pazin also spoke during the ceremony. Pazin, who now runs the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Law Enforcement Branch, noted peace officers place themselves in danger every time they go to work.

“Nothing in law enforcement is ordinary. Nothing in law enforcement is procedural. Nothing in law enforcement is established, let alone routine,” Pazin said.

The ceremony included the families of several of the men who died serving Merced County. Many of the families received flowers, presented by Warnke and Ghilarducci.

The names of all 16 officers and deputies killed were read aloud before retired Merced County Correctional Officer Bill Dacus played taps.

“We all have families and loved ones who would miss us dearly should anything happen to us,” Warnke said. “This service was a stark reminder that many families have experienced that ultimate tragedy and loss. We owe them a profound debt and we will never forget that.”

This story was originally published May 27, 2015 at 6:24 PM with the headline "Fallen peace officers honored in Merced County."