County sheriff's honor guard picked to do 21-gun salute at Capitol's peace officers memorial

Every year, law enforcement agencies throughout the state apply to perform the 21-gun salute during the California Peace Officers' Memorial ceremonies at the Capitol.

Only one agency per year is the rule.

Kern County was picked to carry out the duty Friday May 8 at the Memorial Monument in Sacramento, something that doesn't come quite often with so many agencies seeking the opportunity.

"We're very honored to do it," said Lt. Ed Komin, referring to the Honor Guard of the Kern County Sheriff's Department. Only 8 Honor Guard members - the rifle team - will participate in Friday's ceremonies. The department has 25 Honor Guard members. "We wanted to do it every year, and this year is our chance."

I know how much of a big deal this is. My husband, Julio, is a sheriff's deputy, and he's been on the Honor Guard for a couple of years.

He's posted colors of our flag at academy graduations. He's stood guard at agency events. He's performed the 21-gun salute at memorial ceremonies and at one too many law enforcement funerals.

Memorial ceremonies put on the by nonprofit foundation, honoring fallen officers and supporting survivors, actually began today, but among the highlighted events is the Enrollment Ceremony on Friday. It will begin with the ‘Walk of Honor’ from the State Capitol to the Memorial Monument at 10th Street and Capitol Mall, followed by a number of messages. The ceremony concludes with a 21-gun salute, taps, and retiring of the colors.

Ten police officers who died last year will be honored. Among them will be the late sheriff's deputy James E. Throne.

"It's a very moving ceremony," Komin tells me. "We stand at the monument at center."

The Bakersfield Police Department says six members of its Honor Guard will be going the memorial ceremony.

BPD's Greg Terry said they will be present with the officers from all over the state but will not be directly participating in the service itself.

"We believe it is important to recognize the sacrifice of officers who have given their lives in service to their community and our state," Terry said. "It is equally important to also acknowledge the sacrifice of the officers families and the tremendous loss of their husband, wife, son, daughter, sister or brother. A memorial ceremony like this is a great time to do just that."