At last year’s Call to Duty Police Memorial, then Captain Todd Elgin served as emcee for the annual service that pays respects to Garden Grove’s five officers killed in the line of duty.
This year, Elgin returns to commemorate the event’s 28th year, now as Garden Grove’s newest chief of police.
At last year’s Call to Duty Police Memorial, then Captain Todd Elgin served as emcee for the annual service that pays respects to Garden Grove’s five officers killed in the line of duty.
This year, Elgin returns to commemorate the event’s 28th year, now as Garden Grove’s newest chief of police.
The public memorial was originally scheduled to takes place on May 14, in front of Police Headquarters, at 11301 Acacia Parkway, but because of rain, the event was postponed. Officials will announce a new date in the near future.
Family, friends, colleagues, and law enforcement personnel throughout Southern California will join the community in honoring Myron Trapp, Andy Reese, Donald Reed, Michael Rainford, and Howard Dallies, Jr., known as Garden Grove’s Fallen Five.
“While many of our department members didn’t know these officers, there’s a deep and timeless connection to what these five men stood for, and in what they believed. I see that every time one of my officers goes out on duty,” said Chief Elgin.
This year’s guest speaker is Clarke Paris, a U.S. Navy veteran and retired police sergeant for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. A decorated officer and recognized author on police issues, Paris created an award-winning documentary on police stress and suicide prevention called, “The Pain Behind the Badge” in 2007. Since then, he has presented seminars on the subject to tens of thousands of police officers and military personnel.
The ringing of the Memorial Bell for each of the fallen officers complements a stirring 21-gun salute, a riderless horse, and formal presentations to the surviving families. The Bolsa Grande High School Concert Choir will perform musical selections in honor of the occasion.
The following street closures will be in effect on May 14 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.: east and west bound Acacia Parkway, from Garden Grove City Hall to 9th Street; and Civic Center Drive, from Garden Grove Boulevard to Acacia Parkway.
For details on the memorial, contact the Garden Grove Police Department at 714-741-5901.
