16-05-2025
‘We will always live and serve in a way that is worthy of their sacrifice': Peace Officer Memorial Day in Bakersfield
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Order arms! The brave men and women in law enforcement gathered at different spots across Kern County for the annual Peace Officer Memorial on Thursday.
Sergeant Eric Celedon with the Bakersfield Police Department said, 'Speaking as an officer who's been on a shift where we lost an officer, Officer Dave Nelson, and knowing other officers who lost their lives in the line of duty it really hits home, and we want the community to know that these are more than officers. They're our brothers, they're our friends…they're our families.'
Bonnie Davis and her service dog, Jordy, stopped by the Kern County Sheriff's Office Headquarters to pay tribute.
Davis said, 'There's nothing neater than a cop. Nothing.'
Davis said she was a volunteer that gave more than 2,400 hours in service to help law enforcement. Now, she's here to honor the fallen.
'When something's happening at your house, the first thing you do is dial 9-1-1, and they show up, no matter what they show up,' said Davis.
Sheriff Donny Youngblood took the podium to speak about the people who gave it all in service, and sacrifice to Kern.
'Not one of the people on this wall knew it was their day,' said Youngblood. 'They didn't get up in the morning knowing it was their day. That's the life that we live. That's the God that we serve who makes that determination not us. We don't go to work, and nor do they, in fear. They go as heroes.'
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Deputy Dustin Contreras said, 'It's not just you know, when you can die in the line of duty. It's the total impact of this job which takes a toll on everyone's family.'
The memorial ends at the Kern Superior Court building honoring law enforcement county wide. Bakersfield Police Chief, Greg Terry, said, 'You being here is inspiring to us to keep going, and to carry on because we know that the loss you feel is so deep, and we pledge to you that we will never forget these names, and we pray we will always live and serve in a way that is worthy of their sacrifice.'
Peace Officer Memorial week will be observed the week of May 11-17, 2025. During this period of observance, deputies will be wearing black mourning bands over their badges, and flags at the sheriff's office facilities will be flown at half-staff.
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