Press Release

In association with National Law Enforcement Week, Sheriff Lee Baca presided over the Thirty-third Annual Los Angeles County Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, May 22, 2002, to commemorate the lives of those peace officers who died in the line of duty serving the residents of Los Angeles County during the past year. Attending the Memorial Ceremony were numerous federal, state, and local dignitaries, in addition to family members, friends, and co-workers of the fallen officers. Held in the beautiful Memorial Park at the Sheriff's Training Academy and Regional Services (STARS) Center in Whittier, the ceremony included instrumental performances by members of law enforcement, and selections by the Verdugo Hills Sweet Adelines vocal group.

Regrettably, memorial plaques in the names of Deputies David W. March and Hagop "Jake" Kuredjian of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department were added to the Memorial. Deputy March, who was assigned to Temple Station, died on April 29, 2002. As Deputy March approached the driver following a traffic stop, the suspect exited his vehicle and began firing upon Deputy March. Deputy Kuredjian, who was assigned to Santa Clarita Valley Station, died on August 31, 2001. He had responded to a call for assistance from deputies and A.T.F. agents who were attempting to serve a warrant on a suspect. Moments after the deputy's arrival on the scene, Deputy Kuredjian was fired upon by the gunman at which time he received a fatal gunshot wound.

Historical research resulted in the additional recognition of two law enforcement officers. Officer John W. Robinson, Los Angeles County Office of Public Safety, who died on December 24, 1980, and Deputy Sheriff Robert M. Cartmell II, who died on November 29, 1978.

Bronze plaques with the names of all four officers now join the other 432 law enforcement officers whose names are inscribed on the Memorial Wall to honor their dedication to duty and the ultimate sacrifice they made.

During the ceremony, Sheriff Baca accepted a torch delivered by members of law enforcement following a Memorial Run of over 300 miles, which began at the Sherman Block Sheriff's Headquarters Building and passed by each of the mainland Sheriff's Stations. The Memorial Flame at the Los Angeles County Peace Officers' Memorial Wall was ignited in tribute to the fallen law enforcement officers. In addition, white doves were released during the ceremony, on behalf of the fallen officers.

In concluding the Memorial ceremony, the Sheriff added, "Let us begin here and now with a prayer that it will not be necessary to add to the names of fallen law enforcement officers on the Memorial Wall as we continue to move forward in the 21st century."

SHB-39A-02

May 22, 2002