A Lasting Tribute: Honoring Your Hero's Sacrifice

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Every year, as the names of fallen police officers move from the headlines to history, the public's memory of their sacrifice—and the heartbreak of their loved ones—begins to fade. But we believe their courage deserves to be remembered forever.

Several months ago, as your family faced the difficult holiday season without your loved one, organizers and volunteers of the Fallen Officer Memorial project were busy ensuring that the hero you lost would be honored. We were preparing for the annual Fallen Officer Memorial Tree ceremony.

The Memorial Tree Ceremony

In a tradition of reverence and respect, Lodge 52 of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) gathers the names of officers killed in the line of duty from the Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP.org). For each name, we commission a laser-etched, personalized ornamental tribute. These beautiful tokens, designed by retired police officer and "Heroes in Glass" artist Robert James, are the first step in a journey that ends with them in your hands.

The Memorial Tree ceremony harnesses the spirit of the Christmas season, bringing together the community, police officers, students, scouts, and public dignitaries to pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives.

The event began with the ceremonial opening by the San Jose Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem, sung by Angela Tirado ("The Voice of San Jose"). The profound gravity of the event was then underscored by the mournful perfection of Taps, performed by San Jose Police Officer Roberto Payne.

Remembering Courage and Commitment

FOP Lodge President Cindy Calderon welcomed the attendees, thanked the dignitaries for voicing their respects, and presented an educational demonstration by the San Jose Police Department's K-9 unit.

President Calderon then directed the crowd's attention to the assembled volunteers—including law enforcement students, Community Service Officers, Scouts, and Police Records personnel—who held the personalized tribute ornaments.

Before the tree was decorated, President Calderon spoke passionately about the virtuous calling of police work, its inherent risk, and the necessity of confronting danger and making the ultimate sacrifice. She implored current and future officers to draw inspiration from the fallen's noble commitment to serve and courage to protect. She then shared a moving account of one tragic line-of-duty death, representing just one of 188 such losses recorded that year, before introducing a few of the many family members present.

The emotional climax of the evening arrived as the pipers played a funeral dirge, leading the procession to the tree. Volunteers carefully adorned the tree with the ornaments, a solemn act that was completed only when the memorial tree was fully sanctified.

The Journey's End

The ceremony's conclusion did not mark the end of the project. Each ornament was then lovingly packaged—along with a personalized Christmas card—and prepared for shipping to your hero's agency to be forwarded to you.

The members of Silicon Valley FOP, Lodge 52 (svfop52.org), along with the dedicated volunteers from local Scout Troops and Packs, Silicon Valley Technical Education students, San Jose Police personnel, and Calligrapher Victoria Napolitano (victorianapolitano.com), want you to know this:

We are grateful for the opportunity to convey our profound respect for your loved one's sacrifice, and we extend our deepest condolences for your loss.