A SusanvilleStuff Photofeature
by Jeremy Couso
In a poignant tribute to local heroes, the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office lawn served as the backdrop for Lassen Family Services’ annual Law Enforcement Wreath Laying ceremony on Wednesday. The solemn event honored brave men and women of law enforcement who have lost their lives protecting victims of crime and fighting to end domestic violence across the community.
Special recognition was given to three fallen officers from the local area: Lassen County Deputy Larry Griffith, Susanville Police Officer Robert McElrath and Modoc County Deputy Jack Hopkins.
Lassen County Sheriff John McGarva and Susanville Public Safety Chief Allen Sobol spoke at the ceremony and placed wreaths for Deputy Griffith and Officer McElrath, respectively. Due to an emergency, Modoc County Sheriff Tex Dowdy was unable to attend, and Armando Medina from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office stepped in to honor Deputy Hopkins.
The ceremony included music from the Lassen High Choir, led by Ben Wade, who delivered a stirring rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. Lassen Family Services’ Executive Director Angela Reed also addressed attendees, and Richard Baum provided the Benediction and Invocation.
This powerful annual event is one of the many ways Lassen Family Services observes National Domestic Violence Awareness Month every October, bringing crucial focus to a critical community issue.
