COLUSA COUNTY, CA (MPG) – When embarking on a career as a law enforcement officer, each individual takes an oath which in varying language generally relates to serving and protecting the community, upholding the Constitution while maintaining public trust with integrity.
Nevertheless, such commitment and responsibility can come at great risk and the unfortunate reality is that some officers make the ultimate sacrifice and pay with their lives.
Therefore, in honor and remembrance of Colusa County officers whose lives were cut short in the line of duty, a committee was established in November 2024 to plan for the creation of a law enforcement memorial to be located in front of the county courthouse on Market Street in Colusa.
Courthouse. Courtesy photo
It was an idea originating from a question posed by Lupe Corona to her husband, Merced, after returning from a visit to Yolo County’s memorial, which includes the name of their daughter Natalie whose end of watch came tragically on January 10, 2019.
“Lupe asked me why Colusa County didn’t have a memorial to honor its fallen officers,” Merced recalled. “I thought about that and realized that I had no answer. I worked as a sheriff for 26 years in this county and I never remember anyone even talking about it. I’m very thankful she asked because if she hadn’t, none of this would be happening.”
Thus, Merced went about the task of forming the committee which in addition to the Corona’s includes Janice Bell, Kristen Simmons, Lt. Sarah Martin, Victor Matamoros, Gabby Zarate, Lt. Jose Ruiz, Lt. Matt Dubendorf, Doug Austin, Dave Markss, Lt. Mike Beals, Chief Chris Miller and Sgt. Martin Oliveros.
With construction of the proposed memorial to be fully funded through private donations, the committee set a fundraising goal of $100,000 and an unveiling date in May 2027 to coincide with Police Week.
Five names will be enshrined on the completed monument dating back to the nineteenth century and representing all facets of Colusa County law enforcement.
The fallen officers included are Sheriff’s Deputy John A. McClain (1870), Colusa Town Marshal John T. Arnold (1878), Colusa Town Marshal Jasper Newton Scroggins (1919), Fish & Game Warden Leon H. Nelson (1979) and Deputy Michael W. McClung (1984).
For Merced Corona, who knows first hand the pain of not only a devastating loss, but also the desire for a loved one not to be forgotten, the project is testament not only to the officers, but also recognizes the commitment of all law enforcement officers to making their communities a safer place.
“This memorial will be a beautiful tribute to honor those law enforcement officers that have given their lives in the service of their community. Their names will be enshrined on this memorial forever. I want to thank the Memorial Committee because without their hard work and dedication this wouldn’t be possible and also thank the private businesses that have donated thus far to help us get started.”
However, in an effort to achieve its goal, the committee has paired with Farmer’s Brewing for a “Back the Blue” event on Oct. 11 from 5:00 to 10:00 in Princeton.
A variety of beers will of course be on tap, food trucks and merchandise will also be available for purchase in addition to a raffle for prizes donated by the High Noon Gun Store of Arbuckle.
After a successful event last year, supporting another law enforcement related cause, Corona is grateful for the contributions and excited about the upcoming event saying, “A special thank you to Bill and Kristin Weller and the Farmer’s Brewery staff for the support they have given us. Also, I’d like to invite all those who back our law enforcement officers and especially those that would like to show their support for the five local officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, to join us.”
Those unable able to attend the Back the Blue event but wish to make a tax-deductible donation can do so by sending checks to either The Colusa County Law Enforcement Memorial PO Box 782 Arbuckle, CA 95912 or The North Valley Community Foundation 1811 Concord Ave., Suite 220 Chico, CA 95928.