Merced County honors fallen officers

MERCED COUNTY, California (KFSN) -- Merced County honored officers killed in the line of duty Wednesday with the help of a powerful keynote speaker whose four children were murdered in 2002.

The names of 16 fallen officers appear on this memorial wall, and many of their families were in the audience for the ceremony.

They heard from Dr. Christine McFadden about the common bond of loss they share and how peace officers helped her through her darkest days.

Photos of fallen officers and hats representing those they once wore created a solemn setting for this memorial in their honor.

Sheriff Tom Cavallero presented roses to those who lost loved ones in the line of duty, including Nikki Frago. Her husband, Walter, was one of four Highway Patrol officers shot to death during the Newhall Massacre in 1970. It happened right after the couple's anniversary.

Nikki Frago said, "When he left that night we were hugging and kissing, and i told him that it was just the best five years of my life. I would just give anything if I could have one more day with him."

Many tears were shed throughout the ceremony, including during Dr. Christine McFadden's keynote speech.

She said, "I was startled when first asked to speak today given that a little over 12 years ago it was a retired peace officer from the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department who murdered my four older children."

McFadden recalled the day her ex-husband killed Melanie, Stanley, Stewart, and Michelle -- and the law enforcement response that followed.

McFadden said, "The faces I see in front of me today are the men and women who came to my aid when it was deeply needed who lived the meaning of peace officer as they sought to contain the violence that day."

She also told the families of fallen officers their sacrifice will never be forgotten -- a message Nikki Frago plans to share with her daughters.

Frago said, "I want them to know law enforcement does not forget, no matter how many years, law enforcement does not forget."

Dr. McFadden is a veterinarian in Merced, so she also spoke about treating police and sheriff K9's, but she acknowledged the works she does to save lives does not require putting her own life at risk the way officers do each day.