Remembering fallen California police officers

Dozens of police officers came together in Marina on Wednesday, first in a police procession and then later for memorial service, all to remember police officers who were killed in line of duty in California in 2015.

“It is very important to us to never forget the officers that have risked their lives and lost their lives in the line of duty,” said Marina Police Sergeant, Eddie Anderson.

Police officers from several California departments made their way from the Marina Municipal Airport to St. Jude’s church driving in unison, a solemn gesture to remember five fallen officers and two K9’s.

“Every day officers risk their lives just coming to work so it is important to honor them by letting them know that they are not forgotten,” added Anderson.

At St. Jude’s church, dozens paid tribute to the officers.

“We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Commander Bob Nolan of the Marina Police Department.

Nolan has been to many of these memorials.

“It never gets easier and it always brings back memories,” said Nolan.

Nolan has plenty of memories of his former partner, Officer Kolone Kolone JR.

“I remember his family. I remember his children and I remember the last night he road with me,” said Nolan.
On the night of April 20th, 1992, Officer Kolone died after a heart attack that occurred while he was pursuing a suspect. He was 42 years old.

“You just try to wait through it and cope with it and you hope you make those fallen officers proud,” said Nolan.

Each year, Nolan remembers the officers no longer with us…hoping for a day when there won’t be a need for another memorial.

Police Officer Michael Jeremiah Johnson, Police Officer David Joseph Nelson, Sergeant Scott Paul Lunger, Police Officer Bryce Edward Hanes, Police Officer Ricardo Galvez and two K9s (Sultan and Nitro) were all killed in 2015 in the line of duty.