It had the feel of a religious event in a house of worship. Yesterday’s Police Memorial service at OPD headquarters brought together the mourning families of fallen officers and about 150 cops, in their dress uniforms complete with white gloves. Attendees, who included Chief Armstrong and Mayor Schaaf, sat in rows of white chairs facing the Memorial Wall, which reads:
IN TRIBUTE TO THE OAKLAND POLICE OFFICERS WHO HAVE GIVEN THEIR LIVES IN THE LINE OF DUTY
Below, three columns of names, 53 in all, dating back to 1867 and concluding in 2009. Mercifully, nothing since then.
Prior to the ceremony, on Seventh Street, under blue skies and a warm breeze, Old Glory snapped in the wind.
A large contingent of cops assembled
and lined up in formal military style, ready to be inspected by their Chief.
Chief Armstrong took a few moments with each individual officer, uttering words only he and they could hear.
They were joined by the newest graduates of OPD Academy, as well as a cadre of trainees scheduled for the next Academy:
These women and men will constitute future ranks of Oakland police officers.
Mayor Schaaf made an appearance.
She put her brief remarks up on Facebook.
After the formal activities on Seventh Street, I chose not to go inside to the actual ceremony, although I was invited, because it didn’t feel proper. This was for the families.
We should thank the brave, dedicated men and women of the Oakland Police Department every day for what they do and will continue to do. When you pass an officer on the street, smile and say “Thank you.” They’ll appreciate it more than you know.
Steve Heimoff