City Salutes Firefighters, Police Officers Who Died in the Line of Duty

The Second Annual Joint Pasadena Police and Fire Memorial Service was held on front steps of the Pasadena City Hall on Wednesday May 15 to honor the memory of firefighters and police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

To date, six Pasadena Police Officers and nine Pasadena Firefighters have lost their lives serving the Pasadena community. At the memorial service the names of the police officers and fire fighters were read before honoring them in the appropriately traditional way.

“It’s extremely important for our community and for our current first responders to recognize the value of those preceding us and some have made the ultimate sacrifice,” Police Chief Phillip Sanchez said.

The Police Officers who were remembered for their bravery at their End of Watch included: Officer Kyle Ballard (2006), Agent Richard F. Morris (1969), Sergeant Robert W. Speight (1964), Juvenile Officer Dennis P. Lamar (1961), patrolman Clarence E. Peck (1911), and Motorcycle Patrolman John Slade (1909). After their names were read they were given proper tribute with the 21-Gun Salute.

The Firefighters who were remembered for their Last Alarm included: Engineer Kevin Moore (2011), Firefighter Henry Salas (1983), Asst. Chief Donald G. Palmer (1964), Engineer Hobert Surbur (1956), Hoseman George Flannery (1944), Engineer Erwin C. Draper (1940), Hoseman Daniel Rogers (1932), Hoseman Edgar R. Talbot (1930), and Hoseman Arthur L. Johnson (1928). These firefighters were each remembered with the Ringing of the Fire Bell in their honor.

Kevin Moore, the most recent firefighter who passed away was a good friend of Mike Moss. They were on a motorcycle ride in Napa Valley the last time Mike saw Kevin. Kevin was called up to Lake Tahoe and passed away on the second day there.

“Reflecting on this, its hard not to think about him. I don’t want to but it just brings up memories. I have a big picture of him in my office so I see him everyday, I will not forget him,” Firefighter Mike Moss said. “It makes my job harder because you never know when your last day is going to be.”

During the service the Police and Fire Chaplain prayed the prayers of the first responders and Amazing Grace was played on the bagpipes. The birds were still chirping when the service ended, lightening the solemn mood with a glimmer of hope.

“Those who have gone before us paid the ultimate price. We miss if we don’t learn from those lessons as we move forward,” Fire Chief Calvin Wells said.