Long Beach Officials Honor the Fallen at Annual Police and Fire Memorial Ceremony

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PRESS RELEASE

Above: City of Long Beach leaders stand for the posting of the colors, from members of the
Long Beach Police and Fire Departments, and "Pledge of Allegiance" at the 2024 Police and Fire Memorial Ceremony on May 7, 2024.

Long Beach, CA - City of Long Beach officials honored fallen Police and Fire Department employees at the annual Police and Fire Memorial Ceremony, which took place earlier today in Downtown Long Beach. A longstanding tradition for the Police and Fire Departments, the ceremony was held at the Police and Fire Memorial monument in the Civic Center Plaza and paid tribute to the 29 police employees and 14 firefighters who lost their lives in service to the Long Beach community.

"Today, we gather to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our community," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "Their dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and we are forever grateful for their service. I express my sincerest gratitude for the unwavering commitment of our public safety professionals within our Police and Fire Departments."

The ceremony included remarks by Mayor Rex Richardson, Police Chief Wally Hebeish and Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan, and was emceed by Police Deputy Chief Gerardo Prieto and Fire Deputy Chief Robbie Grego. Family and loved ones of the fallen were invited to attend and other City leaders were also in attendance.

Ceremonial elements included the posting of the colors, flag presentation, and two time-honored traditions of the Police and Fire Departments - a 21-gun salute and "Last Alarm" tribute. The 21-gun salute, consisting of three ceremonial gunshot volleys by the Long Beach City Honor Guards, is a tradition historically used by law enforcement, along with the playing of Taps, to honor, pay respect and bid farewell to its fallen heroes. The "Last Alarm" tribute, which at one time signified the beginning and end to a firefighter's day of service, is now known as the solemn announcement of a firefighter's line of duty passing. The "Last Alarm" tribute includes the ringing of the bell - three rings, three times each - and serves as a moment of reflection, honor and respect to those who have given it all in service to their community.

"During this time each year, we come together as a community to honor our fallen police officers and firefighters," said Police Chief Wally Hebeish. "As we remember those we have lost, we are honored to stand with the families and friends of our fallen heroes and recognize the sacrifice they made in service of others."

"Every year we come together to honor those who bravely served this City and protected our community," said Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan. "The courage of these exemplary men and women illuminates our path forward, and we are forever grateful for their sacrifice."

Community members may watch a playback of the Police and Fire Memorial Ceremony on the following City platforms:

• City of Long Beach Facebook and X pages @LongBeachCity and on YouTube @LongBeachCityCA
• Long Beach Police and Fire Department Facebook pages @LongBeachPD.CA and @LongBeachFD
• Long Beach Television Facebook and YouTube and at LBTV3.com.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. More information about the Long Beach Police Department is available at longbeach.gov/police. More information about the Long Beach Fire Department is available at longbeach.gov/fire.

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