In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed 15th of May as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which 15th of May, as National Police Week. This week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. Ceremonies are held in Washington D.C. as well as Sacramento and other state capitols throughout the nation.
In remembrance, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department honored fallen law enforcement in the 37th Annual Memorial Torch Relay run. On Friday night, May 16, 2014, Norwalk Station personnel, along with family and community members proudly participated in this run from Norwalk Sheriff’s Station to Cerritos Sheriff’s Station.
Overall, the Torch Run journeys 339 miles throughout Los Angeles County over the course of three days, proudly carried by runners from 30 Sheriff’s mainland stations, bureaus and facilities.
The Memorial Torch Relay Run is one of several ceremonies coordinated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to commemorate National Police Memorial Week. This year, the Sheriff’s Department honors the following nine law enforcement personnel who were killed in the line of duty while serving the residents of Los Angeles County:
Officer Nicholas C. Lee, Los Angeles Police Department, who died on March 7, 2014
Officer Christopher Cortijo, Los Angeles Police Department, who died on April 9, 2014
Sergeant Leonard R. Luna, Jr., Hawthorne Police Department, who died on July 8, 2013
Deputy Adolfo Celis, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, who died on April 18, 1883
Constable Anton Harnischfeger, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, who died on March 20, 1889
Deputy Constable Anthony B. Couts, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, who died on October 25, 1914
Constable John S. (Jack) Pilcher, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, who died on June 4, 1925
Deputy James L. McDermott, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, who died on August 26, 1931
Sergeant Raymond C. Willis, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, who died on April 15, 1957
Memorial ceremonies concluded on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, during the 45th Annual Los Angeles County Peace Officer’ Memorial Ceremony, at the Sheriff’s Training Academy and Regional Services (STARS) Center in Whittier. Sheriff Scott accepted the Memorial Torch, which was delivered by members of various law enforcement agencies and used to light the Memorial Flame at the Los Angeles County Peace Officers’ Memorial Wall in tribute to the fallen officers.
