Supporters assemble at the Wall of Honor in Patriots Park, Fair Oaks. The monument commemorates local law enforcers, firefighters and military servicemen who died in action.

 

FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - Community leaders and families gathered on Nov. 1 to recall heroes of nation and community. The Wall of Honor ceremony is annually observed at Patriots Park, a Carmichael Park District property on Palm Avenue, Fair Oaks.

The reserve’s stone monument is dedicated to 15 local men (from the ranks of military, police, CHP and firefighting services) who died in action since the park district’s establishment. Plaques recall sacrifice from Vietnam War years to more recent tragedies. 

The monument and its plaques are a profound reminder of the cost of liberty, said Senator Roger Niello.

“This wall doesn’t speak,” Niello said at the gathering. “But it stands forever as testimony to our gratitude for those who fell in service to our community.”

The Sacramento Sheriff’s Honor Guard begins Wall of Honor commemorations with a flag presentation.

Congressman Ami Bera compared the common goal of heroes to the disharmony of D.C. politics.

“We are all American,” said the 6th District representative. “These folks didn’t give their lives for divisiveness. They sacrificed so we could all come together in a safer world.”

The Wall of Honor commemorates the following men: Sheriff’s Deputy Robert French; CHP Officer Ronald E. Davis; Army Specialist James E. Schlottman; Army Lieutenant Robert S. Byrnes; Air Force Captain Olin E. Gilbert Jr.; Army Sergeant Larry H. Morford; Firefighter Dean W. Rhoades; Navy pilot Lieutenant J. G. David A Warne; Marine and firefighter Sergeant Brian E. Dunlap; Sheriff’s Deputies Kevin P. Blount and Joseph M. Kievernagel; Army Sergeant Ronald L. Coffelt; Army Specialist Raymond Nigel. Spencer Jr.; Sheriff’s Deputy Danny Oliver; Sheriff’s Corporal Bruce R. Verhoeven; and Sheriff’s Deputy Patrick Blount.

Anyone can visit the Patriots Park Wall of Honor at 6827 Palm Ave, Fair Oaks.