Sacramento Police and Sheriff's Memorial Foundation

05/15/2026

Today, we honor the heroes who gave everything in service to others. 💙

National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day is a solemn reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication shown by the brave men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty.

As we observe National Police Week, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and hold close the families, friends, and communities forever impacted by their loss. 🕊️💙

Their legacy will never be forgotten.

05/13/2026

💙Never Forgotten 💙

On May 9, 1970, Sacramento Police Officer Bernard Bennett was critically wounded by a sniper’s bullet from a rooftop as he drove his patrol car through an Oak Park neighborhood. The bullet ripped through the roof of the car and struck Officer Bennett in the back of the head.

The shooting happened just after police attempted to arrest a young man with a pistol at McClatchy Park. About 35 young people confronted the police over the attempted arrest. The crowd accosted officers, who retreated to their cars. With no hope for survival, Officer Bennett clung to life for four days before succumbing to his injuries on May 13, 1970.

Officer Bennett, was 24 years old and a three-year veteran with the Sacramento Police Department. Officer Bennett’s sacrifice in the service of his community will never be forgotten.

05/03/2026

Last Thursday, the Sacramento Police and Sheriff’s Memorial Foundation gathered for our annual Remembrance Ceremony, a time to honor the lives, service, and sacrifice of our fallen heroes.💙

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended, supported, and stood alongside us in remembrance. 💙

Together, we will continue to honor, remember, and never forget. 💙🕊

04/27/2026

💙Never Forgotten 💙

On April 27, 1858, Officer George Chapman was hailed regarding a business burglary in progress at a clothing store located near 7th and J Streets. Officer Chapman responded, and upon arrival, immediately confronted the armed suspect. Officer Chapman did whistle for backup during the confrontation. However, prior to fleeing, the suspect shot Officer Chapman in the neck, mortally wounding him.

Officer Chapman had only been an officer for one week and was the first line of duty death in the history of the Sacramento Police Department. Officer Chapman’s sacrifice in service of his community will never be forgotten. 💙🕊

04/25/2026

💙Never Forgotten 💙

On April 25, 1991, Sacramento Police Officer Michael Gartrell initiated a vehicle pursuit of a suspected drunk driver. Shortly after Officer Gartrell advised that he was in pursuit, the communications dispatcher was unable to raise him on the radio. A short time later, Sacramento Sheriff deputies advised that Officer Gartrell’s police vehicle had been involved in a collision on Martin Luther King Boulevard and the Highway 99 overcrossing. Upon arrival at the accident scene, officers discovered that Officer Gartrell had not survived the collision.

Officer Gartrell was 37 years old and was a six-year veteran of the Police Department. Officer Gartrell’s sacrifice in the service of his community will never be forgotten.💙🕊

04/25/2026

💙Never Forgotten 💙

On April 25, 1980, Deputy Gene Luther was killed in a robbery attempt while off duty.

Deputy Luther was leaving a north area restaurant at about 10 p.m. When he reached his car in the parking lot and opened the car door, he was confronted by an armed subject who demanded all of his money. In an effort to protect himself, Deputy Luther drew a small-caliber handgun; however, the suspect fired first. Deputy Luther was able to return fire, and it is believed he may have struck the suspect. Deputy Luther died at the scene.

Despite an exhaustive investigation, no one has ever been prosecuted for Deputy Luther's murder. Deputy Luther was 50 years old and was a 22-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department. Deputy Luther’s sacrifice in the service of his community will never be forgotten. 💙🕊

04/24/2026

This weekend, the Sacramento Police Sheriff Memorial Foundation will host a private family BBQ dedicated to honoring our fallen heroes and the loved ones who carry their legacy forward. This special gathering provides a meaningful opportunity for families to come together in remembrance, connection, and support, surrounded by a community that will never forget their sacrifice.💛

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous event sponsors for making this day possible - Bruce Verhoeven Foundation, Elk Grove Police Officers Association, Sacramento County Deputy Sheriffs' Association & STAR 6 Foundation. 💛

04/19/2026

💙Never Forgotten💙

On April 19, 1972, Sacramento Police Officer Andrew Collins, while patrolling on a motorcycle, was involved in a high-speed chase in the south area of Sacramento. During the pursuit, he was involved in a collision and sustained critical injuries. He succumbed to his injuries while still on the scene of the collision.

The vehicle he was chasing was later found about four blocks from the scene of the accident.

Officer Collins was 24 years old and had been an officer for about 18 months. Officer Collins’ sacrifice in the service of his community will never be forgotten. 💙🕊

04/19/2026

💙Never Forgotten💙

On April 19, 1972, Sacramento Police Officer Andrew Collins, while patrolling on a motorcycle, was involved in a high-speed chase in the south area of Sacramento. During the pursuit, he was involved in a collision and sustained critical injuries. He succumbed to his injuries while still on the scene of the collision. The vehicle he was chasing was later found about four blocks from the scene of the accident.

Officer Collins was 24 years old and had been an officer for about 18 months. Officer Collins’ sacrifice in the service of his community will never be forgotten. 💙🕊

04/17/2026