VIDEO: Pasadena paid homage to first responders who died in the line of duty Thursday morning at the 2018 Pasadena Police and Fire Memorial in front of City Hall in a solemn and moving tradition.
Seven Pasadena police officers and 10 firefighters have lost their lives serving the community. “Today’s memorial is a somber reminder of the daily sacrifice of so many of our police and fire heroes. Each one of our fallen heroes were daughters, sons, mothers, fathers, and friends to us all. We shall never forget our fallen heroes nor their commitments and sacrifices they made to their communities,” said Interim Police Chief John Perez.
Pasadena’s memorial is one of many across the country hosted during National Police Week. During 2017 in the United States, 135 police officers died in Line of Duty Deaths (46 by gunfire) and 69 firefighters were on-duty fatalities.
Mayor Terry Tornek and Fire Chief Bertral Washington also spoke. The event included a ceremonial Law Enforcement 21-Gun Salute and Fire Service Ringing of the Bell.