In a solemn tribute to officers who have given their lives in the line of duty, the Modesto Police Department took to social media to share the remembrance proceedings of the Annual California Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremonies. The ceremonies, which are held annually in the first week of May, pay homage to over 1670 peace officers who have died since California's statehood, as well as to offer solace to the families left to grapple with the loss. according to a Facebook post by the Modesto Police Department. The event this year marked the enshrinement of five officers, each having fallen in the line of duty.
The Candlelight Vigil marks the start of a two-day event, where friends and community members gather at dusk to quietly honor fallen officers. The next morning, a procession and walk lead to the Enrollment Ceremony at the Memorial Monument in Sacramento. There, the lives and service of Deputy Alfredo Flores, Officer Matthew Bowen, Officer Austin Machitar, Officer Chad E. Swanson, and Officer Terry D. Long were remembered, with their names added to the monument so they will never be forgotten, as reported by the Modesto Police Department.
The first to be honored in this year's ceremony, Deputy Flores of the Los Angeles Co. Sheriff’s Department, met his end on April 20, 2024. Not long after, Vacaville Police Department's Officer Bowen fell on July 11, 2024. Officer Machitar from the San Diego Police Department followed with his passing on August 26, 2024, and Officer Swanson of the Manhattan Beach Police Department preceded them with his EOW (End of Watch) being noted as October 4, 2023, as stated by the Modesto Police Department.
Notably, this year’s roll call also reached back two decades to recognize Officer Terry D. Long from the El Monte Police Department, who was killed on August 22, 2004. In a reflection of the ceremony's purpose, as families walked with heavy hearts to honor their fallen, their presence underscored the legacy of sacrifice these officers have imprinted on both their loved ones and the state of California. Officer Long's belated addition sends a message that time does not fade the valor nor the profound impact of those who served with distinction, as per the Modesto Police Department.
