Fallen officers honored with memorial in Madera

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Madera County has lost eight lives in the line of duty. On Wednesday, a large crowd gathered in Madera to honor them and all of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities.

"There were 105 officers killed nationwide last year, with 10 killed here in California, led the country in on-duty deaths," said Madera County Sheriff John Anderson.

Along with those killed in 2013, this memorial also served as a tribute to the eight men and women from Madera County whose names appear on this wall. Matthew Shannon's father was killed in 1954 while working for the Madera Police Department.

"He was killed in a car accident," said Shannon. "They were chasing a drunk on Highway 99."

Shannon was only an infant at the time, and says his mother also sacrificed as a result.

"To me, my mom was the hero because she raised four of us, so that's what makes it difficult," he said.

This is the last memorial for Sheriff Anderson before he retires. But he says he'll never forget the danger peace officers face on a daily basis.

"In the Army we used to have a deal where the guy who would go out on point, and that's the most dangerous job when you're on a squad move because you're the first one to see the enemy. Well, these peace officers are on point every day," said Anderson.

This is the time of year when many law enforcement agencies honor their fallen. Merced County's ceremony is planned for next Wednesday.