Imperial Valley Honors 49 Fallen Officers at Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony

EL CENTRO — The 18th annual Imperial Valley Law Enforcement Memorial was held Friday, May 1, on the steps of the county courthouse in El Centro, bringing together officers, community members, and local officials to honor those who died in the line of duty.

The ceremony recognized 49 law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in Imperial Valley since 1920, according to county records. Attendees gathered in a solemn setting as bagpipes played during an opening remembrance.

A proclamation by Imperial County supervisors Peggy Price and John Hawk declared May 1 as Imperial Valley Peace Officers Memorial Day. During the ceremony, speakers reflected on the sacrifices made by officers and the lasting impact on their families and the community.

The event was preceded by a law enforcement caravan procession, with patrol vehicles driving past a large American flag suspended near the courthouse by fire apparatus before lining up along the street.

Captain Max Sheffield of the Imperial Police Department delivered introductory remarks, followed by the posting of colors and the national anthem, performed by a California Highway Patrol officer. A flag salute and invocation were also part of the ceremony.

Chaplain Chris Nunn of the El Centro Police Department led a prayer and helped introduce survivors and dignitaries in attendance.

Speakers included representatives from state and federal agencies, including the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, who emphasized the ongoing responsibility carried by those who continue to serve.

Organizers noted that, in addition to local officers, the memorial also included individuals from outside the county who died while serving in the Imperial Valley. Members of the organizing committee said the inclusion reflects the shared mission of protecting the local community.

Flags placed on the courthouse lawn represented each fallen officer and were accompanied by brief biographies. The display is scheduled to remain in place for one week following the ceremony.

A riderless horse presentation symbolized fallen officers and the void left behind, followed by the Imperial Valley Fallen Officer Roll Call led by Imperial County Sheriff Fred Miramontes. Each name was read aloud, accompanied by the ringing of a bell and an officer standing in place in their honor.

Family members of fallen officers were also recognized, including Rosalie Rosas, the wife of a U.S. Border Patrol agent who died in the line of duty. She shared her experience with loss and the long-term impact on families.

The ceremony concluded with a rifle salute by a multi-agency honor guard, the playing of TAPS and “Amazing Grace,” a flag-folding presentation, and a candlelight vigil. Final remarks were delivered before attendees joined in singing “God Bless America.”

Honor guard members from Calipatria and Centinela state prisons participated in the event, along with multiple law enforcement agencies from across the region.

According to organizers, the annual memorial serves as both a tribute to those who died in service and a reaffirmation of the community’s commitment to remembering their sacrifice.