Santa Maria police honor fallen officers with memorial ceremony

A memorial ceremony to honor fallen peace officers is being held this morning in Santa Maria.

<figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-161833">Santa Maria Police Department

The ceremony is an annual event and includes a luncheon to benefit the Santa Maria Police Officer Association and SPAMM. The luncheon includes Santa Maria Style Beef Barbecue, a drink and dessert.

“When your equipment for the job involves body armor and a firearm, the danger tends to be a little bit higher,” said Santa Maria police lieutenant Russell Mengel. “Not only do we have the concern about just driving which, unfortunately does take the lives of so many officers throughout the state and nation but then there’s the threat of violence and that we respond to.”

The ceremony begins this morning at 10:30 a.m. and goes until 1 p.m. at 1111 W. Bettaravia Rd. in Santa Maria. Tickets at the door are $10.

There will also be a raffle this year where multiple items and gift bags will be raffled off.

For more information, see the Santa Maria Police Department website.