Shasta County honors fallen officers at annual Peace Officers' Memorial Coalition

SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. — Shasta County law enforcement from every branch came together Thursday afternoon to honor our fallen peace officers.

The annual Peace Officers’ Memorial Coalition took place in front of the Shasta County Courthouse. They honored 12 officers who were killed in the line of duty. The most recent was Deputy Kenneth Perrigo who was killed in 1991.

The runners and baton kicked off the event and were followed by roll call, speakers and a CHP flyover.

According to Officer Down Memorial Page, 246 officers were killed in the line of duty in 2022 across the country. Eight of those officers were from California.

Sheriff Michael Johnson was this year’s keynote speaker. He said despite the danger and strain from the job, there will always be brave men and women in law enforcement who want to protect their community.

“Despite those stressors, despite everything stacked against us, and against all odds we still have brave men and women signing up and taking the oath,” Johnson said. “Coming and answering the calling. It’s that oath, that oath of office, that is very dear to the peace officer.”

The Sundial Bridge has also been lit blue this week to honor all of the fallen officers.