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American River Messenger

Officers Honor Beloved Deputy

Nov 25, 2015 12:00AM ● By Story and photos by Susan Skinner

Officers Honor Beloved Deputy [3 Images] Click Any Image To Expand

Dozens of uniformed and plain-clothed sheriff’s officers recently joined families who sacrificed loved ones in service to community or nation.

The officers saluted Deputy Danny P. Oliver, who was inducted to the Wall of Honor at Patriots Park. The ceremony included Oliver’s plaque with those of previous honorees. Erected by Carmichael Park District, the monument salutes heroes who fell since the District was established in 1945.

Oliver perished during a criminal incident that spread from Arcade to Placer County last year. The 47-year-old father of two died as he and his partner investigated suspicious activity in an Arden Way motel parking lot. The shooter and a female companion then fled to Auburn. During their escape, they carjacked two vehicles and shot and injured a car owner. Near Interstate 80, the male suspect fired on two Placer County officers. One, Investigator Michael Davis, died from his wounds.

At the time of Oliver’s death, the 15-year Sheriff’s Department veteran worked with Problem-Oriented Police in the North Area Division. Speaking at Patriots Park, Sheriff Scott Jones paraphrased Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg address and noted it “fitting to dedicate a portion of this field for Danny Oliver and 12 other patriots who gave their lives so this nation and this community could be safe.”

Oliver’s parents Bill and Jeri Oliver were among relatives and friends of wall honorees at the ceremony. Joining the police contingent was Scott Brown, Oliver’s partner. Now promoted to detective, Brown saw his brother officer die at the Arden Way motel.

“As POP deputies,” said County Supervisor Susan Peters, “Deputy Oliver and his partner interacted with the community to solve problems. [Oliver] was respected and revered by the communities he patrolled and friendly to the residents he served. They were devastated by his death.” While heroes honored at Patriots Park wore different uniforms and had different stories, Peters said, they shared a common bond.

“They believed in serving us. They fought for our country, protected us from crime, responded to fires, and ensured we were safe on roads and highways. As a community, we will be forever grateful to each for their dedication.”

The Patriots Park monument honors the following heroes:

Deputy Danny P. Oliver

CHP Officer Ronald E. Davis

Army Specialist James E. Schlottman

Army Leiutenant Robert S. Byrnes

Airforce Captain Olin E. Gilbert Jr.

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

Deputies Kevin P. Blount and Joseph M. Kievernagel

Army Sergeant Ronald L. Coffelt

Army Specialist Raymond N. Spencer Jr.

Anyone may visit the Wall of Honor. Patriots Park is located at 6825 Palm Avenue, Fair Oaks.