By SDCN Staff
Sacramento, CA—On Monday, Governor Gavin Newsom honored the contributions of fallen California law enforcement officers at the annual California Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony in Sacramento.
Governor Newsom joined hundreds of officers, state and local leaders, and community members at the ceremony.
“We honor the lives and legacy these officers leave behind. They bravely served our communities, putting the needs of others before all. We thank them today and every day for their everlasting courage,” Governor Gavin Newsom
The ceremony included a “Walk of Honor” for surviving family members from the west steps of the Capitol to the memorial monument for the Enrollment Ceremony, where the names of newly enrolled officers were formally added to the monument.
The fallen officers recognized were Officer Terry D. Long, El Monte Police Department, EOW: August 22, 2004, Deputy Alfredo M. Flores, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, EOW: April 20, 2024, Officer Matthew Bowen, Vacaville Police Department, EOW: July 11, 2024, Officer Austin Christopher Machitar, San Diego Police Department, EOW: August 26, 2024, and Officer Chad E. Swanson, Manhattan Beach Police Department, EOW: October 4, 2023.
This solemn ceremony incorporates many law enforcement traditions, including a riderless horse presentation, the folding of the flag of the United States, releasing of doves, and concludes with a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.
In memorial, Governor Newsom ordered flags to be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space.
