Annual Police Procession Through Downtown Santa Maria Honors Twelve Fallen Officers
SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - A procession of police vehicles, including a helicopter, made its way down Broadway in Santa Maria this morning.
The ceremony honored twelve fallen officers statewide.
The event takes place every year, and is a statewide tradition to honor those who have died in the line of duty.
“I wanted to bring it back this year and, bring it back down south bound Broadway just to kind of showcase to our public,” says Santa Maria Police Traffic Sergeant Shane Armstrong.
Officials say this yearly event may be a somber one but it’s a vital tradition, and that it’s an honor to participate in acknowledging those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Officers that are recognized today here are those that lost their lives in the line of duty throughout the state of California, from January to December 31st, 2025,” says Jesus Valle, a retired Santa Maria Police Sergeant.
This year, a total of twelve officers were honored by the procession and ceremony, and Robert McMichael, an officer of Santa Maria Police from decades ago, received a special mention.
“It was a little surprising that there were so many—12 this year,” says Valle. “But, everyone who's recognized today goes in to the profession knowing that that could very well be, their last day when they go out to work.”
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.
“Behind me are officers from a lot of the Allied agencies, CHP, Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department,” says Sgt. Armstrong. “We have agencies from up in the five cities that are helping out.”
City leaders and community organizers joined members of the various agencies at the Betteravia police station, as well as families and friends.
“It's refreshing to see so many people from so many different agencies gather together and fellowship for this purpose,” says Valle.
The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With The Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.
