Christmas in the Park Memorial
Fraternal Order of Police/Lodge 52
SAN JOSE - Silicon Valley FOP Lodge 52 will once again honor law enforcement officers from throughout the nation who lost their lives protecting the community during the year. Former Lodge 52 President, Bobby Lopez (SJPD, ret.), envisioned this memorial a few years ago. "My thought was to honor and commemorate the law enforcement men and women who lost their lives in service of the communities they served", said Lopez.
Christmas in the Park holds an annual holiday event at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez, San Jose, bringing the community together during the season. FOP/Lodge 52 takes it a step further with a formal dedication of a special Christmas tree. Custom made ornaments with the names of law enforcement officers who have given their lives during the year adorn the tree. Everyone is encouraged to participate with the special presentation Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at 7pm.
We acknowledge and appreciate the many corporate, private and individual sponsors who support us. This year, we received a generous donation from San Jose City Councilman, Don Rocha's office. Former attendees included, San Jose Mayor, Sam Licardo, City Councilmen Johnny Khamis, Manh Nguyen, "Chappie" Jones, Milpitas Vice-Mayor, Carmen Montano, Wayne Summers (Summers & Sons Electric), and the San Francisco Police Credit Union. All participated in honoring the brave men and women of law enforcement.
Pictured is an especially touching moment made by Nikki Johnson, the wife of fallen officer Michael Johnson. She placed the specially made ornament honoring her husband on the Christmas tree in remembrance of all officers who gave their lives in the performance of their duties. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office Pipe and Drums Bagpipers are scheduled to provide a solemn tribute during the event.
The success of the Christmas in the Park Memorial Tree continues to grow and gain more support each year. Each ornament is custom made by SJPD Sergeant Greg Connolly and proudly displayed on the tree throughout the holiday season. Each ornament represents individual fallen officers for 2017. We also include and acknowledge police canines who were also killed protecting the community. Each ornament is later removed from the tree and presented to the agencies/families of the officers who paid the ultimate price.
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CONTACT: Robert Gallardo, President,
Lodge 52 (775)232-1006 ;
PO Box 612500, San Jose,
CA 95161(Tax ID # 45-2108505)
kma376@yahoo.com