As up to 20,000 people from around the Bay Area are expected to gather today at the HP Pavilion in San Jose to mourn the loss of two Santa Cruz police officers killed in the line of duty, officers from the Gilroy Police Department demonstrated their respect and support this morning by picking up a very important item at the Mineta San Jose National Airport and transporting it to the memorial service.
Being asked to perform this duty was an honor, according to GPD Sgt. Pedro Espinoza.
Approximately 25 GPD officers, including a four-piece color guard and Chief of Police Denise Turner, stood at attention around 9:20 a.m. inside American Airlines gate nine, terminal A, where flight 1433 delivered a highly symbolic, special piece of cargo into the hands of GPD Officer Toney Lamonte: The U.S. Honor Flag that originally flew over the Capitol Building in Texas.
Shortly after the 9/11 attacks, the flag was sent to New York City, where it was flown at ground zero during the recovery efforts and at memorial services. Family members of the victims requested the flag be used for all other servicemen and women around the nation, honoring them just as the heroes of 9/11 were honored.
Since then, the U.S. Honor Flag has been flown to cities all around the nation, as well as Kuwait, Qatar and Iraq.
When American Airlines Captain Tom Robinson flew in today from Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas, GPD personnel were ready and waiting. Per protocol, Officer Lamonte, of Gilroy, walked onto the plane and inspected the flag – which was transported in the cockpit – before exiting again. Captain Robinson then carried the folded flag from the cockpit, walked through two rows of GPD officers standing at attention and handed the flag to Lamonte. The GPD officers then departed via emergency stairwell and headed straight for the HP Pavilion.
During this brief event, passengers preparing to board the next flight gathered to observe the simple but meaningful ceremony, which was carried out in silence and solemnity. Many of those watching placed a hand over their heart.
Memorial services for Sgt. Loran “Butch” Baker and Detective Elizabeth Butler – the first officers killed in the line of duty in the Santa Cruz Police Department’s 150-year history – will commence at noon today. Baker, 51, was a 28-year veteran on the force and a married father with two daughters. Butler, 38, was a 10-year veteran on the force and leaves behind two sons.Â
Baker and Butler were gunned down Feb. 26 while investigating a misdemeanor sexual assault case. The suspect, Jeremy Goulet, was later shot and killed by authorities.
Click here to make a tax-deductible donation to the Butch Baker & Elizabeth Butler Scholarship Fund.
