the Bulletin May 2025

LETTER from SHERIFF BARNES

I n the month of May, we take time to remember the peace officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. It is a meaningful reminder of the inherent risks we face while protecting families, upholding justice, and maintaining peace. In Orange County, we are fortunate to have officers, deputies, and special agents who exemplify the highest standards of service and courage. We remember 54 men on our memorial wall who gave their lives. We not only remember them as peace officers, but as members of our communities, our friends, neighbors, and family. Their legacies live on, not just in May but every day in our hearts. Orange County did not have a loss and, fortunately, did not need to add a new name to the wall this year. Therefore, we honored Newport Beach Police Department Officer Robert “Bob” Henry who, on March 12, 1995, was tragically shot in the head when answering a call for service. Officer Henry remained in a coma for 33 days before passing away on April 13, 1995. Officer Henry’s wife, Patty, and daughter, Alyssa, who was just one month old when her father was killed, were in attendance at the Orange County Peace Officers’ Memorial ceremony. Thank you to all who traveled to Sacramento and Washington D.C for the state and national Peace Officers’ Memorials. You not only represented our Department but also our fallen heroes - Undersheriff Robert Squires, Deputy Ezra Stanley, Deputy Robert L. Shultz, San Clemente Police Officer Richard Steed, Deputy Mark S. Tonkin, Deputy Darryn L. Robins, Deputy Bradley J. Riches, Deputy Steve Parsons, Sergeant Matthew Davis, and Sergeant Ira G. Essoe, Jr. Our Peace Officers’ Memorial here in Orange County ensures that their legacies are never to be forgotten and will continue to inspire for generations to come. Most importantly, we keep our promise that we will never forget their sacrifice.

the BULLETIN •MAY 2025 | page 3