The PGR has been invited to attend this honoring of our Heroes in law enforcement event being held at the American Legion Post 79, located at 2979 Dexter Drive, Riverside, CA. This is not the staging area but rather the area for the event.
As in the past, the PGR has attended two separate events held at the American Legion Post 79, honoring our Riverside Police Department and the Riverside Sheriff’s Office for the officers who have given their lives in “The Line of Duty.” All of our Heroes from Riverside County CHP will be honored along with highlighting two of the most recent fallen CHP officers and whose families will be present.
This year we will also be honoring the Deputy Sheriffs whose names will be added to the previously built Riverside Sheriff’s Memorial. Those two families will also be present.
The main speakers will be the Mayor of Riverside, Riverside Department Chief of Police Larry Gonzalez, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, and CHP Captain, Steve Branconier. The PGR is invited to perform a Flag Line as in the past during the outside Honors with our Anthem, Honor Guard Honors/Volley, Taps, Flag Folding and presentations to the families. There will be a flyover of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Helicopter Officers.
The families of the following LEO’s who will be honored at this event are: CHP Motorcycle Sgt. Steve Licon, CHP Officer Andre Moye, Jr., Riverside Deputy Sheriff Isaiah Cordero, and Riverside Deputy Sheriff Darnell Calhoun.
The Pillow Marker at the memorial is dedicated to CHP Officer Saul Martinez. Officer Martinez died after being unconscious since the early morning hours of May 8, 1997, after he was struck by a vehicle. Officer Martinez and his partner were walking back to their cruiser after stopping for a vehicle on the side of the road when a speeding car, which was driving on the shoulder, struck him. Just before it struck him, he pushed his partner out of the way, saving his life. The misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter trial of the driver ended in a mistrial in 2000. Officer Martinez had his organs donated for the benefit of others. He is survived by his wife and three children.
After the memorial dedication, the PGR is welcome to Honor the Law Enforcement Officers present at the event, shake hands, and thank them for their service. The PGR is also invited to stay for a reception with those families at the American Legion Post inside the “Castillo Family Hall.”
The support shown by the PGR is highly recognized here in Riverside County as we know. The PGR is also supported by the Riverside Police Department with the missions we do for our veterans and law enforcement officers. Our own PGR Member/Road Guard, Ray Trosper, (951) 315-3905, is the MC for this event as in the past two memorial events.
A special request has been made by Ride Captain Joker for this event: Since this is a law enforcement event, it is asked that the riders wear blue shirts (with or without vest) in support of the Thin Blue Line. It would be greatly appreciated.NOTE: This mission posting facilitates your voluntary participation in honoring these Fallen Law Enforcement Officers. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, please see the timetable below.
TIMETABLE FOR WEDNESDAY, 17 MAY 20231100 - Stage at Fairmount Park Golf Course, just inside the entrance and to the right side of the parking lot. 2681 Dexter Drive, Riverside, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/JuB4QPDXtB39D9xk61120 - Mission briefing.
1140 - KSU 1/4 mile to American Legion Post 79, 2979 Dexter Drive, Riverside, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/eyCPuVjUfHpi6Eze81142 - Arrive at American Legion Post 79, park and prepare for flag line of attendees at event.
RC Mike “Joker” Courtright
SoCal PGR/Ride Captain
Patriot Guard Ride Captain, #202572mokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356
"Standing For Those Who Stood For UsOnly two defining forces offered to die for you:
Jesus Christ, and the American Soldier. One died for your soul, the other one died for your freedom.
We encourage those who do not ride to participate in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent with honor and respect for our Heroes - no talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Remember, memorial dedications are for the families of the Fallen. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we honor.
