PALMDALE – The Palmdale Sheriff’s Station is one step closer to completing its officer memorial, thanks to generous donations from two local businesses.
At a press conference Wednesday morning, Antelope Valley Harley-Davidson and Sixth Street Towing each handed over a check for $5,000.
“We’re very proud to help out with the deputies that do so much for the community that we live in,” said Eric Mongack of Sixth Street Towing.
“We want to honor these men and woman who gave the ultimate sacrifice and this memorial is just a small tribute to that,” said Ron Emard, president of Antelope Valley Harley Davidson.
The combined $10,000 donation will be used to put the finishing touches on the Palmdale Station Memorial Wall, which is nearing completion.
“There is a large sheriff’s star that’s going to go on the wall and a reflection pool to be completed,” said Palmdale Station Captain Bobby Denham. “Tables and chairs will be purchased last to place on the patio.”
The memorial wall and patio area (see rendering below) is a project that is three years in the making, Denham said.
“One of the goals was to build something that was substantial and fitting and a tribute for those who have died in the line of duty,” Denham said. “We felt that regardless of how long it took or how much money we had to raise, we would build something that was fitting, because it was going to be here for 50 years or more.”
Denham said the project was in the $125,000 range, but since labor and other items were donated, the price was cut in half. The project is funded by private donations from deputies and their families, as well as people in the community and local businesses, Denham said.
“This is a great tribute for those who risk their lives on a daily basis here in the Palmdale jurisdiction, sometimes they give their life,” Denham said.
Officials are hoping to have the project completed by May of this year, in time for the yearly memorial service for slain deputy Richard Hammock. Hammock was killed on May 11, 1992 during a drug raid in a Palmdale trailer park.
The project still needs about $6,000 in order to be completed, Denham said. He said both Sixth Street Towing and Antelope Valley Harley-Davidson requested to make their donations public in an effort to encourage more businesses to follow suit.
“It’s very important that we support them,” Emard said. “It means a lot to them that we care, because usually we’re not smiling when they’re giving us a ticket.”
To donate to the Palmdale Station Memorial, contact the station’s Community Relations department at 272-2400.
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Lynn says
It’s sad that we even need something like this. Times have definitely changed.
Aaron Peterson says
This is great and a long time coming. But looking at the description of the artist rendering I never heard of a SHACE CANOPY.
Anna says
For those of you who hate the police, they are human beings with families who put their lives on the line from scum bags everyday. They are not bullet proof and unfortunately are killed doing their jobs which is to protect you and your property. This is long overdue, since they already have one for the fire and rescue at the mall. I would hope no one posts anything negative towards this memorial for the brave who died….God Bless our Local Heroes who never made it home one night!!