The ceremony will remember five who gave their lives in the performance of their duties. They are Sheriff George Kemp, Deputy William Hoyt, Sgt. Richard Helbush, and firemen Michael Mattioda and Mathew Black. Also, the names of California law enforcement officers and firemen that died in 2016 will be read.
The former Lakeport Fire Chief, Ken Wells, Deputy Jake Steely, and California High Patrol Sargent Matt Norton will be remembered during the event. Though their deaths were not a result of a line of duty incident, remembrance for their contribution to making Lake County safe for its residents and quests will be honored.
The U. S. Fire Administration reports that 89 firemen died in the line of duty in 2016 — four were from California. The California firemen’s deaths were the result of a dozier accident, traffic accident, health, and a falling rock.
According to the Officer Down webpage, 145 law enforcement officers were killed in 2016, along with 63 police dogs (K9s) that died in public service. Of those fallen, 11 officers and 5 K9s were from California.
Nationwide, 64 policemen died as a result of a deadly assault. This represents a 53% increase in gunfire deaths according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund webpage — 21 if these officers were ambushed.
Honor these fallen safety officers and those men and women that put their lives on the line every day in Lake County by your attendance.
The Lake County Memorial Park is located at 255 N. Main St. in Lakeport.
