Uniform lines of black, brown, blue and green surrounded the “Safe in His Arms” memorial statue Wednesday evening, May 8, at the annual Riverside County Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony in Riverside.

Some in sharp jackets and hats and some still sweating from the 1.5 mile jog honoring the fallen officers of 2023, all there united in somber grief with the family, friends and community members still heartbroken and mourning.

This year, the names of Riverside County sheriff’s deputies Darnell Calhoun and Brett Harris, both who died in the line of duty, will be added to the memorial statue.

Calhoun, 30, was shot and killed on Jan. 13, 2023, while responding to a domestic violence call near Lake Elsinore. Harris, 27, died May 13, 2023, as a result of injuries suffered in a crash the previous day in San Jacinto.

District Attorney Mike Hestrin and Sheriff Chad Bianco addressed the crowd Wednesday evening, sharing words of reassurance and empathy.

Hestrin emphasized a solemn vow, “to keep their memory alive we must revisit these somber memories, but not dwell in sorrow, but to honor their courage and selflessness.” Bianco echoed the sentiment. He acknowledged the impact the loss had on the law enforcement community, “the pain that falls onto the family also falls onto their ‘work family.’ It is still very real for those in the line of work, we all lose a brother or sister when we lose someone in our profession.”

The ceremony included a tribute to all 75 Riverside County fallen law enforcement officials. Surviving family members solemnly read the names, while representing deputies and officers rose from their seats for each year.

A flag-folding ceremony and gun salute by the Riverside County Honor Guard marked the event’s conclusion. As two helicopters soared above downtown Riverside, the audience gazed upward, offering hope and remembrance for those who have fallen in the line of duty.

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