Gathering In Sonora to Honor Peace Officers

About 200 people gathered at Courthouse Park this afternoon in Downtown Sonora for a peace officers memorial. It was held to remember officers who died in the line of duty over the past year as well as those that still serve.

One woman, whose husband is a sheriff´s deputy, said today was a mixture of emotions. “Sad and proud,” she said. “I´m proud of my husband for the job he does and also sad knowing that there´s a potential that he is in danger every single day.”

The bells of Sonora United Methodist, St. James Episcopal and St. Patricks Catholic churches rang out after a roll call of the 11 peace officers who died this year.

Bagpipes, prayers, a 21-gun salute, a helicopter fly-over and an emotional playing of “Taps” punctuated the noontime ceremony today.

This is the first year the memorial included peace officers with the National Parks Service.