Fallen Officers Remembered At Memorial

Sonora, Ca — Members of law enforcement who have lost their lives in the line of duty were remembered at a Peace Officer Memorial Wednesday afternoon at Courthouse Park in Sonora.

Representatives were on hand from the Sheriff´s Department, Sonora PD, CHP, Forrest Service and the Sierra Conservation Center. California lost 16 officers in 2006, and all of which were individually recognized.

Richie Grant, whose husband, Deputy Dave Grant, was the last Tuolumne County Officer killed in the line of duty, was the keynote speaker.He was born and raised here, went to school here, and it was very important that he help the people of Tuolumne County,” said Grant.

Dave and Richie´s daughter, Jennifer, performed a vocal solo entitled,Can You Hear Me When I Talk To You?”

The Ceremony, which lasted approximately 45 minutes, also included the playing of taps, a 21 gun salute, presentation of the colors, and a helicopter flyover.

Five from Tuolumne County have lost their lives in the line of duty over the years. They are as follows:

Officer Joel McDonald – Columbia Police Department – January 6, 1901

Constable John Leary – Columbia Constable´s Office – May 1, 1902

Investigator Paul R. Marks Sr. – Sheriff´s Department – May 5, 1967

Officer Wesley D. Johnson – Sonora Area CHP Office – April 15, 1969

Deputy David P. Grant – Sheriff´s Department – May 31, 2004

Written by BJ Hansen