Photo Gallery | Law Enforcement Chaplaincy-Sacramento a Huge Success Benefiting Our Community!

The 19th Annual Sacramento Law Enforcement (LEC-S) Memorial Run: “Raising funds for the Sacramento Law Enforcement Chaplaincy, serving officers, their families and victims of crime” was held at the Memorial site July 28, 2012. The Sacramento Law Enforcement Memorial Run has become the primary fundraising event to enable LEC-S to serve so many in our community. Portions of proceeds are pledged to support the Police and Sheriff Memorial Foundation, as well as other charities serving law enforcement, family and citizens.

At the Memorial Site, an hour program in honor of all officers serving Sacramento County was held as well as a dedication remembering those officers who have served us all so bravely. Bagpiper, Bill Tubbs’ notes of Amazing Grace echoed in a quiet pose paying homage to all our fallen officers bringing stillness and solemn reflection from all who stood facing the Honor Guard.  

Senior Chaplain Mindi Russell acting as Mistress of Ceremonies introduced guest speakers including Sheriff Scott Jones, Captain Mike McCarthy representing Chief Rick Braziel, and Chief Don Meyers of Sacramento Probation Department representing DA Jan Scully.  After the Pledge of Allegiance was given, those in the audience were seen shedding tears as Sergeant Dan Donelli, Sacramento County Sheriff Department Honor Guard, sang our National Anthem. 

Each guest spoke eloquently about our fallen officers, reminding all of the great sacrifice of giving their lives to protect us, and for each officer’s life lost, the pain endured will continue for the family, friends and community remaining a life time.  Those who serve to protect us are the unsung heroes whose legacy is the commitment of bravery that each officer makes as he/she swears to the Oath to Protect and Serve and shall continue throughout one’s law enforcement career.    

This year marked the introduction of “Honor Guard Riders,” each of whom stood during the ceremony in remembrance of a fallen officer whose name and date of loss of life was acknowledged and will be engraved on the hearts of all.  Each flag would be carried proudly by an Honorary Guard Rider leading all motorcyclists on the journey to Isleton.  Each fallen officer’s name was read aloud and the audience felt great loss of all and stood in complete silence.  Tears, once again, were gently shed as memories flooded those who felt a personal loss. 

At the closure, the Benediction and Bike Blessing-Christian Motorcycle Association offered by John O’Mara was given for all traveling this morning from Memorial Park to Isleton.  As the blessing ended, the motorcyclists partaking this ride returned to their motorcycles being lead on their journey by “Honor Guard Riders.” 

The Law Enforcement Chaplaincy-Sacramento wishes to personally offer a big thank you to Sacramento Police Department, Sergeant Matt Young, for helping with the Traffic and Safe Departure, as well as the Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights Police Department and Sacramento County Sheriff’s Reserves. 

And, of note:  For the Law Enforcement Memorial Run commemorating the 20th Annual Memorial Run in 2013, plans are in the making to include a ‘swap meet’ dedicated to motorcycle wares, and prizes to be won by our riders.   Stand-by for further information on these events, our devoted Memorial Run Riders!   Our prayers continue throughout the year for the many safe journeys you may undertake.” 

Freelance-Lisa O'Hara, Contributor, lisaophotos@yahoo.com