Introduction to Remembering

Orange County, California

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Remembering Law Enforcement Officers Killed in Orange County

In 1857, when present-day Orange County was still part of Los Angeles County, Sheriff James R. Barton was Los Angeles County’s second Sheriff and its first law enforcement officer killed on duty. That year, just three weeks after his re-election as Sheriff, Barton set out towards San Juan Capistrano with a posse to capture a group of bandits. The bandits were encountered on the morning of January 23. In the ensuing gunfight, Sheriff Barton and all but two of his posse were shot and killed. Three of the bandits were also killed. A second posse later pursued the remaining bandits, capturing 52 of them. Eleven of the bandits were hanged at Fort Hill in Los Angeles.

In 1912, Orange County Undersheriff Robert Squires became the first officer under independent Orange County to be killed in the line of duty. In total, 47 local and state law enforcement officers have died while performing their duties on behalf of Orange County. The OC Almanac sets aside a special page to record the names of these officers.

The Monument
by Sgt. George Hahn, LAPD (Retired)

I never dreamed it would be me
My name for all eternity
Recorded here at this 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 the last

Those who have fallen...

Special thanks to The California Peace Officers Memorial

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