News Article: https://abc7.com/riverside-county-sheriffs-department-peace-officers-memorial-sheriff-chad-bianco/13281148/
RIVERSIDE (KABC) — In a heartfelt memorial event held in Riverside, our local community came together to honor the brave heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving on the front lines.
The Riverside County Police Department hosted the 40th annual Peace Officers’ Memorial, where families and law enforcement members gathered to pay homage to those officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Sheriff Chad Bianco expressed the importance of celebrating their sacrifice and extending our support to their families. He emphasized that this occasion should not be solemn or sorrowful, but rather a time of remembrance and appreciation for the remarkable contribution these heroes made to our country.
The memorial commenced with a pride run, spanning a distance of 2 miles, which culminated at the renowned “Safe in His Arms” statue in Riverside. This magnificent sculpture stands as a poignant tribute to the courageous lives lost while protecting our community.
During the ceremony, we solemnly remembered several fallen officers, including Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Darnell Calhoun. Deputy Calhoun tragically lost his life while responding to a domestic disturbance call in January.
We also paid tribute to Deputy Brett Harris, who tragically perished in a traffic collision while on patrol in San Jacinto earlier this month. His unwavering dedication to duty will always be remembered.
Deputy Isaiah Albert Cordero, a 32-year-old officer, was also honored during the memorial. He was fatally shot by a convicted felon during a traffic stop in Jurupa Valley last December. Gilbert Cordero, Deputy Cordero’s father, expressed his ongoing struggle to find peace with the circumstances of his son’s untimely passing. Despite the pain, he took solace in knowing that his son was doing what he loved and serving as an exceptional law enforcement officer.
Representatives from all departments and ranks within Riverside County came together to salute the memory of the 74 brothers and sisters who tragically lost their lives while protecting and serving our community.
Sheriff Bianco reiterated that the memorial event not only served to honor our fallen heroes but also to extend our deepest respects to their grieving families. The entire community came together to show our unwavering support and offer solace during these difficult times.
As a community, we stand united in our gratitude for the selflessness, courage, and dedication displayed by our fallen officers. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their memory will continue to inspire us as we work towards creating a safer and more compassionate city.
We express our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of our fallen heroes, and we remain forever indebted to them for their service.