MEMORIAL TO FALLEN OFFICERS TO STAND VIGIL IN VENTURA.Byline: Don Holland Daily News Staff Writer Tucked away near the visitors entrance to the main jail stands a modest monument to the ultimate sacrifice made by 25 Ventura County law enforcement officers. Those who come to visit jail inmates have used the simple, easily overlooked marker to crush out To force out or separate by pressure, as juice from grapes. To overcome or destroy completely; to suppress. See also: Crush Crush cigarettes. A few have even scrawled graffiti on it. But on Thursday, groundbreaking ceremonies were held for a far more visible and grander memorial to befit be·fit tr.v. be·fit·ted, be·fit·ting, be·fits To be suitable to or appropriate for: formal attire that befits the occasion. the deputies and police officers killed in the line of duty In the Line of Duty may refer to:
``This, quite simply, is a monument that will stand forever as a reminder to officers that no matter what, you will never walk alone,'' said Sheriff Larry Carpenter, one of several officials speaking during the ceremony. Simi Valley Simi Valley (sē`mē, sĭm`ē), city (1990 pop. 100,217), Ventura co., SW Calif. in an oil, fruit, and farm region; laid out 1887, inc. 1969. Police Chief Randy Adams agreed, saying the memorial will be a powerful symbol of community support for those who wear a badge. Since Deputy Constable An official of a Municipal Corporation whose primary duties are to protect and preserve the peace of the community. In medieval law, a constable was a high functionary under the French and English kings. Andrew McNaughton General Andrew George Latta McNaughton, CH, CB, CMG, DSO, CD, PC (February 25, 1887 - July 11, 1966) was a Canadian army officer, politician and diplomat. Born in Moosomin, Saskatchewan (at the time in the Northwest Territories), McNaughton was a student at Bishop's College was shot and killed while on foot patrol in Oxnard in 1906, 24 other Ventura County peace officers have died in the line of duty. Six have fallen just since 1990. ``I think the first thing (the memorial) says is that these people are out protecting our families and businesses 24 hours a day,'' said Marc Vertin, a Rotary Club member who helped lead fund-raising efforts Noun 1. fund-raising effort - a campaign to raise money for some cause fund-raising campaign, fund-raising drive crusade, campaign, cause, drive, effort, movement - a series of actions advancing a principle or tending toward a particular end; "he supported for the memorial. ``We sometimes forget that they're out there and every minute of the day, putting their lives in jeopardy. Any time a police officer is killed in the line of duty, it's a loss to us all.'' After several years of planning and fund raising, the Ventura County Peace Officers Association collected $17,000 - less than one-third of the cost for the marble monument to be located in front of the County Government Center on Victoria Avenue in Ventura. So several months ago, the association turned to area Rotary clubs to help reach the $60,000 goal. Rotarians and local businesses responded with contributions, and a March fund-raiser netted $40,000, clearing the way for final preparations. Vertin said the memorial could be completed by late July, just in time for a festival sponsored by area Rotary clubs and the Peace Officers Association of Ventura County to raise funds to maintain the memorial and to establish a relief and scholarship fund for the families of fallen officers. The festival is free to the public and is planned for Aug. 1 at Constitution Park in Camarillo. For information, call (805) 650-2645. CAPTION(S): Photo PHOTO Peace officers bow their heads in prayer during the groundbreaking ceremony Thursday in Ventura. Michael Owen
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