The City of Pasadena held the 2015 Pasadena Police and Fire Memorial in the rotunda Thursday morning due to the very welcome rains.
This ceremony is the 3rd year that City Officials, Police and Fire personnel and community members honored Pasadena first responders who died in the line of duty serving the people that live, work and visit in Pasadena.
The program included speeches from newly elected Mayor Terry Tornek, Chief of Police Phillip L. Sanchez and Fire Chief Bertral Washington, along with the Presentation of Colors, the National Anthem, and the traditional 21-Gun Salute, Ringing of Bell, and Taps.
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Chief Sanchez’ speech was perhaps the most impassioned, clearly focusing on how the country perceives police officers in a crucial time in American history. With officers being targeted and racial divides at a crossroads, Sanchez was clearly concerned that public perception is pointing to misconceptions in some areas of the US. However, Chief Sanchez assured the public at large that his officers are sworn to protect and serve and will do exactly that. He praised the brave men and women who serve the city and read the names of those lost since 1909.
Family members of the fallen heroes who were remembered with a public reading of their names rose to thank the audience who braved the rainy morning. To date, six Pasadena Police Officers and nine Firefighters have lost their lives serving our community.