Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 116

Introduced by Senator Correa

(Coauthors: Senators Anderson, Beall, Berryhill, Block, Cannella, Corbett, De León, DeSaulnier, Evans, Fuller, Gaines, Galgiani, Hancock, Hernandez, Hill, Hueso, Huff, Jackson, Knight, Lara, Leno, Lieu, Liu, Mitchell, Monning, Morrell, Nielsen, Padilla, Pavley, Roth, Steinberg, Vidak, Walters, Wolk, and Wyland)

(Coauthors: Assembly Members Achadjian, Ammiano, Dickinson, Donnelly, Gomez, Gordon, Harkey, V. Manuel Pérez, and Yamada)

April 28, 2014

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 116—Relative to peace officers.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

SCR 116, as introduced, Correa. California Peace Officers’ Memorial Day.

This measure would designate Monday, May 5, 2014, as California Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, urge all Californians to use that day to honor California peace officers, and recognize specified California peace officers who were killed in defense of their communities.

Fiscal committee: no.

WHEREAS, Monday, May 5, 2014, 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 the people of this state 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, By the enforcement of our laws, these same officers
have safeguarded the lives and property of the people of this state
and have given their full measure to ensure Californians 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 be recognized:

Officer Kevin Tonn, Galt Police Department, End of Watch:
January 15, 2013.

Officer Michael Crain, Riverside Police Department, End of
Watch: February 7, 2013.

Detective Jeremiah MacKay, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s
Department, End of Watch: February 12, 2013.

Sergeant Loran L. “Butch” Baker, Jr., Santa Cruz Police
Department, End of Watch: February 26, 2013.

Detective Elizabeth Butler, Santa Cruz Police Department, End
of Watch: February 26, 2013.

Officer Gilbert Cortez, California Department of Corrections
and Rehabilitation, End of Watch: March 25, 2013.

Officer Jon Coutchie, Laguna Beach Police Department, End of
Watch: September 21, 2013.

Deputy Jeremy Meyst, Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, End
of Watch: December 24, 2013; 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:

Warden Leon H. Nelson, California Department of Fish and
Wildlife, End of Watch: October 27, 1979.

Sergeant Raymond C. Willis, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s
Department, End of Watch: April 15, 1957.

Special Agent Buford French, Burlington Northern and Santa
Fe Railway Police Department, End of Watch: November 10, 1932.

Constable Anthony B. Couts, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s
Department, End of Watch: October 25, 1914.

Constable Anton Harnischfeger, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s
Department, End of Watch: October 25, 1914; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates Monday, May
5, 2014, as California Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, and urges
all Californians to remember those individuals who gave their lives
for our safety and express our 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.