To kick off National Police Week, Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station deputies participated in National Peace Officer Memorial Day events in Washington D.C. to remember fallen deputies.

On Sunday, deputies from Santa Clarita commemorated law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty in events including a candlelight vigil in Washington D.C. for National Peace Officer Memorial Day, which is part of National Police Week, lasting through Sunday of this week.

“SCV Sheriff’s deputies were present, alongside several other officers from law enforcement agencies across the nation, to help pay tribute to our fallen brothers and sisters,” said Deputy Natalie Arriaga, spokesperson for the SCV Sheriff’s Station.

As in previous years, deputies helped cyclists ride from New Jersey to the capitol in celebration of the event.

“SCV motor units were also given the opportunity to assist guiding a Police Unity Tour where cyclists from across the nation rode over 200 miles, ending with a candlelight vigil honoring fallen officers whose names have been added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C.,” Arriaga said.

The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station typically honors four deputies lost in the line of duty.

Deputy Randy Hamson, photo courtesy of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station

Deputy Randy Hamson was struck by a vehicle on Sierra Highway in 2004 while at the scene of a crash. He remained in a coma before ultimately passing away from his injuries.

Deputy David March

In 2002, Deputy David March was killed after stopping a vehicle in Irwindale. The suspect in the vehicle got stopped on purpose so he could kill a law enforcement agent. When March stepped in front of his patrol car, the suspect opened fire. March passed away due to the injuries.

Deputy Jake Kuredjian

Deputy Jake Kuredjian was shot and killed in 2001 after a suspect opened fire on law enforcement agents attempting to arrest him for impersonating a police officer and possessing a firearm as a felon.

Deputy Arthur Pelino

Deputy Arthur Pelino died in the line of duty in 1978 in Gorman. Pelino had arrested a suspect and taken him to his office. As he was being booked, the suspect grabbed a hold of Pelino’s weapon and shot and killed him.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Newhall office lost four officers in the line of duty during the Newhall Incident in 1970.

The officers were killed by two criminals during a traffic stop.

On Monday, three CHP officers received the Medal of Valor award in a ceremony hosted by the U.S. Department of Justice in the capitol.

The award was given to Riverside CHP officers Ryan Smith, Vince Mendoza and retired officer Robert Paul.

In August of 2019, Paul was conducting an enforcement stop along with CHP officer Andre Moye Jr. when the suspect opened fire, killing Moye.

Paul drew his weapon and held off the suspect as he waited for backup to arrive and was shot in his legs multiple times.

Smith arrived, firing at the suspect and pulling Paul out of the line of fire.

Mendoza then arrived and shot at the suspect, drawing the suspect’s attention away from Smith and Paul.

There continued to be an exchange of fire for 12 minutes until the suspect was killed.

“The actions of these men that day were noble, courageous, and crucial to getting another officer to safety,” said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray. “I am incredibly proud of these officers for their teamwork and the numerous acts of bravery which took place during this horrific incident. While we tragically lost one of our own that day, countless other lives were saved because of their heroism.”

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