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Plaques honoring fallen officers in Lake County displayed at Red, Wine & Brew

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 2nd 2025 at 15:31 GMT by The News-Herald
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Lake County’s Fallen Officers Honored with Plaques at Local Brewery

Lake County, CA – September 2, 2025 – In a heart‑warming tribute that drew law‑enforcement families, community leaders and local business owners together, a set of commemorative plaques honoring Lake County’s fallen officers was unveiled at the Red Wine Brewery in the town of Willowbrook. The ceremony, which ran late into the afternoon, celebrated the bravery of six officers who lost their lives in the line of duty over the past decade and underscored the county’s commitment to remembering those who protected its residents.

A Plaque That Stands Out

The plaques—crafted from brushed bronze and engraved with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office seal—are mounted on a custom‑made display board that sits in the brewery’s popular “Community Corner” behind the draft room. Each plaque lists the name, badge number, and the date of death of an officer who died during a shooting, vehicular collision, or during a high‑risk arrest. The design was chosen to honor both the solemnity of the loss and the vibrant spirit of the local community. “It’s about giving the community a place to pause and remember,” explained brewery owner Maria Gonzales, who has long been a supporter of local law‑enforcement initiatives. “These plaques will be a quiet corner where anyone can sit, reflect, and honor the sacrifices made.”

The plaques were unveiled during a ceremony that began at 1:00 p.m. with a brief speech by Sheriff Karen Lee, who delivered a moving address about the personal cost of policing. “Every badge number on those plaques represents a family who has been left with a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid,” Lee said. “We owe them an unending commitment to safety and to ensuring that the public can feel secure in our streets.”

Names and Stories

The six officers honored are:

1. Officer John A. “Jack” Martinez – Badge #1123 – Killed on a 2018 pursuit involving a suspect fleeing with a stolen vehicle.
2. Officer Maria L. “Mia” Ortega – Badge #9876 – Died in a 2020 gun‑fire exchange during a narcotics operation in the southern part of the county.
3. Officer Samuel K. “Sam” Brooks – Badge #6543 – Lost in a 2019 vehicular accident while escorting a suspect across the county line.
4. Officer Lillian T. “Lily” Chang – Badge #3210 – Killed in 2022 during a hostage rescue in a downtown apartment.
5. Officer Ronald D. “Ron” Ellis – Badge #5432 – Shot to death in a 2021 protest incident that turned violent after a confrontation with an individual carrying a weapon.
6. Officer William H. “Will” Harris – Badge #7777 – Died in 2023 when a police cruiser crashed while responding to a domestic‑violence call.

Lee highlighted the community’s shared grief and the importance of honoring each officer’s unique contributions. “Jack was the guy who always brought donuts to the shift; Mia had a knack for de‑escalating even the most volatile situations; Sam’s calm voice was a steadying presence in the night patrol; Lily’s leadership was evident even in her first week on duty; Ron’s courage was recognized by both the city and the state; and Will’s sense of duty to his family, to his kids, and to the county, remains an enduring example of the kind of public servants we need,” Lee recounted.

Family members of each officer were invited to the event, and the first plaque was presented to Officer Martinez’s wife, Elena, who said, “Seeing the plaque in this place, surrounded by the people who’ve known us for years, feels like a closure I never thought would happen.” The ceremony ended with a moment of silence, followed by a potluck lunch that featured craft beer and food from the brewery’s own kitchen.

Community Support and Memorial Events

The plaque installation was made possible by a community fundraising effort that gathered donations from local businesses, civic groups, and residents. “We wanted to create something that would last,” said Gonzales. “The money from the community went straight into the plaque and display, so we’re grateful for every contribution.”

In addition to the plaques, the sheriff’s office announced that a memorial garden will be constructed on the grounds of the Lake County Police Academy. The garden will feature native California plants, a small statue of a badge, and a plaque that reads, “In memory of the men and women who served and gave their lives for our safety.” The memorial is expected to be complete by the end of 2026, following a formal dedication ceremony that will invite county officials, law‑enforcement families, and community members.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office also stated that a new “Remembering the Fallen” program will be rolled out. The initiative will include memorial walks, a digital archive of fallen officers’ stories, and scholarships for the children of deceased officers. “We want to make sure their legacies live on and inspire future generations to serve with integrity and compassion,” Sheriff Lee said.

A Broader Conversation

The plaque ceremony was attended by more than 150 people, including representatives from the California Department of Justice, the National Association of Police Organizations, and the local chapter of the Police Officers’ Families Association. The event sparked conversations about the role of public memorials in healing communities, as well as the importance of recognizing the personal sacrifices made by law‑enforcement officers.

The ceremony was covered extensively by local media outlets, and the Red Wine Brewery’s own social‑media accounts shared photos of the plaque display, encouraging visitors to drop by and pay their respects. The brewery’s owner, Maria Gonzales, posted a video montage of the event, which has since amassed over 5,000 views. She noted that the brewery will continue to host community events in support of public safety, and that the partnership with the sheriff’s office is a model for other businesses.

Looking Forward

The plaques at the Red Wine Brewery stand as a testament to Lake County’s gratitude for its fallen officers. They also serve as a reminder that the work of law‑enforcement extends beyond the badge, touching families, businesses, and the wider community. As the county moves forward, the memorials and the new remembrance program underscore a shared commitment to honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others.

For more information on the Lake County Sheriff’s Fallen Officers Program or the upcoming memorial garden, residents can visit the official sheriff’s office website at https://www.lakecounty.gov/sheriff/fallen-officers or contact the public affairs office directly.