At the Tulare County Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony in May of 1995, Sheriff Bill Wittman made a commitment to build a permanent Peace Officer Memorial Monument. This Monument honors the memory of the Peace Officers from law enforcement agenencies in Tulare County who were killed in the line-of-duty. The Tulare County Board of Supervisors dedicated the park setting at the corner of Burrel and Woodland in Visalia as the Tulare County Peace Officer Memorial Grounds on May 16, 2001. With the hard work of the Memorial Committee members and the generous contributions of many dedicated Tulare County citizen's a vision and commitment has been fullfilled. The Memorial is made from two types of granite. The head piece outlines the shape of Tulare County and is mounted on a pyramid base. Etched on the face are two badges with mourning bands. The star represents the Sheriff's Department and the shield represents all other law enforcement agencies in Tulare County. The names of our fallen heroes are forever etched in the tiered granite base as well as in our hearts.The monument was unveiled in a special ceremony on May 15, 2002. The Memorial also has a special poem called "The Monument" etched on the back of the head piece. The poem was written by George Hahn, a retired Sergeant from the Los Angeles Police Department and reads: I never dreamed it would be me My name for all eternity Recorded here at the hallowed place Alas, my name, no more my face "In the line of duty" I hear them say My family now the price will pay My folded flag stained with their tears We only had those few short years The badge no longer on my chest I sleep now in eternal rest My sword I pass to those behind And pray they keep this thought in mind I never dreamed it would be me And with heavy heart and bended knee I ask for all here from the past Dear God, let my name be last. This Monument is "In honor of those who gave the ultimate Sacrifice". Each May, the Tulare County Sheriff's Department hosts the Tulare County Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony. This year it will be held on May 6, 2009 at 10:00 AM at the Memeorial Grounds ont he corner of Burrel Avenue and Woodland in Visalia. For more information you may contact Sgt. Chris Douglass at (559) 735-1825 or email info@tularesheriff.info.