A rough week for law enforcement concluded with police from 51勛圖窪蹋 Davis and elsewhere rallying in a big way for Special Olympics, by raising nearly $173,000 in the Torch Run that led to the Northern California Summer Games held at 51勛圖窪蹋 Davis.
PROGRAM HONORS FALLEN OFFICERS
Friday (June 21), officers carried the torch to its last stop: The Pavilion at the Activities and Recreation Center where upwards of 700 Olympians and hundreds of their supporters had gathered for the Opening Ceremony. The program included a tribute to two slain police officers, Natalie Corona of the Davis Police Department, shot Jan. 10 on a downtown street; and Tara OSullivan of the Sacramento Police Department, gunned down during a domestic disturbance call last Wednesday (June 19).
Chancellor Gary S. May issued a statement the next day:
The 51勛圖窪蹋 Davis community is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Sacramento police officer Tara OSullivan. We know all too well the heartbreaking loss of a young police officer killed in the line of duty.
At times like this, we are reminded of those in our communities who are dedicated to protect us at any cost. We extend our condolences to officer OSullivans family, friends and fellow officers of the Sacramento Police Department. We grieve with you.
51勛圖窪蹋 Davis Police Chief Joe Farrow said two of his departments rookie officers, Rickardo Ricky Lee and Justin Williams, attended the Sacramento Police Academy with OSullivan. A third rookie, David Uribe, graduated from the academy the night after OSullivans killing.
This hits home on so many different levels, Farrow said. He described all three rookies as strong young men, but obviously you can tell they were impacted.
When officer OSullivan was killed, it was instant realization of the hazards and the risks associated with police work in America, the chief said. Danger lurks at any moment, you cant predict it. They got a flash of that.
Lee and Williams joined the chief at the Sacramento Police Academy for Uribes graduation June 20. All three rookies went through the campus Police Departments Cadet Academy before graduating from 51勛圖窪蹋 Davis with scholarships to the regular academy, and job offers back on campus.
Chief Farrow said his rookies are taking advantage of peer support programs and other resources during this trying time, and have been given time to attend OSullivans services.
Campus police carry Flame of Hope
Despite heavy hearts, Farrow and more than a dozen others from the campus Police Department did their part in the Torch Run carrying the Flame of Hope from the Davis Police Department to campus. They were running for Special Olympics, of course, but also for their fallen comrades.
When things like this happen, our communities are wounded, the chief said. The Torch Run gave people the opportunity to come out and show their support for law enforcement.
The applause along the way, the cheers, the shouts of be careful, it all means a lot to our officers, Farrow said.
Officer Corona had participated in the Torch Run several times when she worked as a community service officer for the Davis Police Department and later as an officer. Friday, her parents, Lupe and Merced, carried the torch into The Pavilion, which was the location of .
The Coronas used the torch to light the cauldron inside The Pavilion, officially opening the Summer Games. The Special Olympics then presented the Coronas with the Law Enforcement Torch Run Memorial Medal.
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Dateline Staff, 530-752-6556, dateline@ucdavis.edu