Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 20

Introduced by Senator Galgiani

February 23, 2015

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 20—Relative to peace officers.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

SCR 20, as introduced, Galgiani. California Peace Officers’ Memorial Day.

This measure would designate Monday, May 4, 2015, as California Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, and would urge all Californians to honor those individuals who have given their lives for our safety and express appreciation to those who continue to dedicate themselves to making California a safer place in which to live and raise our families.

Fiscal committee: no.

WHEREAS, Monday, May 4, 2015, is California Peace Officers’
Memorial Day, a day Californians observe in commemoration of
those noble officers who have tragically sacrificed their lives in
the line of duty; and

WHEREAS, Although California citizens are indebted to our
California peace officers each day of the week, we make particular
note of their bravery and dedication and we share in their losses
on California Peace Officers’ Memorial Day; and

WHEREAS, California peace officers have a job second in
importance to none, and it is a job that is as difficult and dangerous
as it is important; and

WHEREAS, The peace officers of California have worked
dutifully and selflessly on behalf of the people of this great state,
regardless of the peril or hazard to themselves; and

WHEREAS, By the enforcement of our laws, these same officers
have safeguarded the lives and property of the citizens of California
and have given their full measure to ensure these citizens the right
to be free from crime and violence; and

WHEREAS, Special ceremonies and observations on behalf of
California peace officers provide all Californians with the
opportunity to appreciate the heroic men and women who have
dedicated their lives to preserving public safety; now, therefore,
be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly
thereof concurring, That California’s peace officers who were
killed in defense of their communities in 2014 be recognized:

Detective Sergeant Tom A. Smith, Jr., BART Police Department,
End of Watch: January 21, 2014.

Officer Juan J. Gonzalez, CHP - Fresno Area Office, End of
Watch: February 17, 2014.

Officer Brian M. Law, CHP - Fresno Area Office, End of Watch:
February 17, 2014.

Officer Nicholas C. Lee, Los Angeles Police Department, End
of Watch: March 7, 2014.

Deputy Ricky P. Del Fiorentino, Mendocino County Sheriff’s
Office, End of Watch: March 19, 2014.

Officer Christopher A. Cortijo, Los Angeles Police Department,
End of Watch: April 9, 2014.

Officer Roberto C. Sanchez, Los Angeles Police Department,
End of Watch: May 3, 2014.

Officer Scott M. Hewell, Stockton Police Department, End of
Watch: June 11, 2014.

Officer Jordan J. Corder, Covina Police Department, End of
Watch: September 30, 2014.

Deputy Danny P. Oliver, Sacramento County Sheriff’s
Department, End of Watch: October 24, 2014.

Detective Michael D. Davis, Jr., Placer County Sheriff’s Office,
End of Watch: October 24, 2014.

Detective Yevhen “Eugene” Kostiuchenko, Ventura County
Sheriff’s Office, End of Watch: October 28, 2014.

Officer Shaun R. Diamond, Pomona Police Department, End of
Watch: October 29, 2014; and be it further

Resolved, That California’s peace officers who were killed in
defense of their communities in prior years, but not yet enrolled,
also be recognized:

Officer Arthur W. Moyle, South San Francisco Police
Department, End of Watch: May 4, 1953.

Officer Clarence A. Bower, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s
Department, End of Watch: December 5, 1944.

Officer Robert B. Ross, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s
Department, End of Watch: September 24, 1921.

Officer Fran Toal, Vallejo Police Department, End of Watch:
September 2, 1896.

Deputy George W. Gillis, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s
Department: End of Watch, January 12, 1881; and be it further

Resolved, That the California Legislature designates Monday,
May 4, 2015, as California Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, and
urges all Californians to remember those individuals who have
given their lives for our safety and express appreciation to those
who continue to dedicate themselves to making California a safer
place in which to live and raise our families; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of
this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.