Community Unites for Fallen Heroes
Nov 08, 2017 12:00AM ● By Story and picture by Susan Maxwell SkinnerIt is fitting that today we continue to remember each honoree's service and sacrifice. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner
Sacramento Region, CA (MPG) - Carmichael and Fair Oaks stalwarts gathered in last Saturday’s rain to recall fallen heroes of nation and community. The annual “Wall of Honor” ceremony was observed at Patriots Park.
Built in 2008, the reserve’s stone monument is dedicated to 13 local men -- from military, police, CHP and fire-fighting forces -- who died in service during Carmichael Park District’s 55-year existence. Their sacrifice unites surrounding neighborhoods each November. The 13 named heroes fell in uniforms of the U.S. Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy, CHP, police and firefighting services. Plaques recall sacrifice from the Vietnam War years until the present time.
Ceremony attendees included bereaved families; elected representatives and park district leaders. Congressman Ami Bera and County Supervisor Susan Peters were among last Saturday’s speakers. Dr. Bera said the nation should “stop and consider values that bring us all together.” The best way we can remember our heroes, he suggested, “is to continue the service that they began.”
Supervisor Peters noted that the wall’s plaques named individuals who shared one commitment. “They put service above self,” she said. “regardless of whether they wore a Sheriff’s uniform or that of the Highway Patrol or a branch of the armed services or of fire protection, each was dedicated to the common good.
“It is fitting that today we continue to remember each honoree’s service and sacrifice.”
A new name will soon be added to the wall. In August, Deputy Robert French -- a former member of the Sheriff’s local Problem-Oriented team in the North Division -- died in an August shootout on Fulton Avenue. The tragedy will be recalled next year when Deputy French’s plaque joins those on the Wall of Honor.
Heroes commemorated by the recent ceremony were:
CHP Officer Ronald E. Davis
Army Specialist James E. Schlottman
Army Leiutenant Robert S. Byrnes
Airforce Captain Olin E. Gilbert Jnr
Army Sergeant Larry H. Morford
Firefighter Dean W. Rhoades
US Navy pilot Lieutenant J. G. David A. Warne
Marine and firefighter Sergeant Brian E. Dunlap
Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin P. Blount
Sheriff’s Deputy Joseph M. Kievernagel
Army Sergeant Ronald L. Coffelt
Army Specialist Raymond N. Spencer Jnr
Deputy Sheriff Danny P. Oliver
Anyone may visit Patriots Park at 6825 Palm Avenue, Fair Oaks.