COLUSA, CA (MPG) – The Colusa County Deputy Sheriff’s Association has contributed $2,000 toward the proposed Colusa County Law Enforcement Memorial, providing a boost to ongoing fundraising efforts for the courthouse project.
Lt. Chuy Ruiz and Janice Bell, both members of the memorial committee, joined Brenna Van Atta and Nichole Lopez in presenting the donation on behalf of the association. Organizers said the contribution moves the project closer to construction.
The memorial, first proposed in 2024, will honor five Colusa County law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. The names of the officers, representing three local agencies, will be engraved on stone panels along with their departments and badges. The design also includes space for future additions.
During a recent presentation to the Colusa County Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Merced Corona, who chairs the memorial committee, said the monument will be located on the west side of the historic Colusa County Courthouse near the existing flagpole. The site was selected after earlier concerns about preserving the courthouse’s historic appearance.
Corona said the tallest portion of the memorial will stand about five feet high and is intended to complement, not overshadow, the courthouse grounds. The planned footprint includes an area of roughly 20 by 20 feet, with potential for benches and walkways depending on available funding.
The project is being funded entirely through private donations, with no county funds used. The committee has partnered with the North Valley Community Foundation to manage contributions and financial reporting.
Organizers have set a fundraising goal of $100,000, though current estimates place construction costs closer to $60,000. Construction will begin once sufficient funds are raised, with hopes of dedicating the memorial during a future National Police Week.
Tax deductible donations may be made by check payable to the Colusa County Law Enforcement Memorial and mailed to P.O. Box 782, Arbuckle, CA 95912, or to the North Valley Community Foundation, 1811 Concord Ave., Suite 220, Chico, CA 95928. Online donations are also accepted through the North Valley Community Foundation website nvcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=9906