Annual Police Procession Through Downtown Santa Maria Honors Twelve Fallen Officers

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - A formal procession of police vehicles including a helicopter moved along Broadway in Santa Maria this morning, and a following ceremony honored twelve fallen officers.

The event takes place every year, and is a statewide tradition to honor those who have died in the line of duty.

Officials say this yearly event may be somber but it’s a vital tradition, and that it’s an honor to participate in acknowledging those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

This year, a total of twelve officers from across the state of California were honored by the procession and ceremony. 

A gun salute, multi-agency flag raising, bagpipes, a trumpeter playing Taps, a riderless horse march, and the release of a flock of doves complemented a line-up of speakers.

City leaders joined members of multiple law enforcement and response agencies including Santa Maria CHP and Fire Department, as well as Lompoc Police.

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