Behind the Badge
Law enforcement was well represented at the Orange County Crime Victims Monument Dedication Ceremony.
Chiefs and deputy chiefs from multiple agencies, violent crime victims and survivors, victims’ advocates and public officials gathered to commemorate the monument, designed as a symbol of remembrance to lives taken and for loved ones, whose lives are forever impacted.
Religious leaders of various faiths were also present for the ceremony, held Dec. 6, 2021, in the courtyard between the District Attorney’s Office and Orange County Sheriff’s Department headquarters.
“I asked the religious leaders to bless this because it needs God’s touch,” said District Attorney Todd Spitzer, who presided over the ceremony.
Families and friends of past victims gather in front of a new Crime Victims Monument during a dedication ceremony at the OC District Attorney’s office.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
A long row of poster-size images of Orange County murder victims were affixed to the windows of the District Attorney’s Office for the event.
The 25,000-pound boulder is situated at the north end of the courtyard, inscribed with a dove and a phrase honoring victims and survivors.
“I know that the burden of being a victim is heavier than the weight of this boulder,” Spitzer said. “I’m really glad it’s here… It is a really important symbol to see this every single day when we walk into work. This symbol is not just a symbol of those who have passed but is also a magnificent symbol to those that have survived.”
Families and friends of past victims gather in front of a new Crime Victims Monument during a dedication ceremony at the OC District Attorney’s office.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
The monument will help to bring peace and comfort to victims and survivors, Tustin Police Department Deputy Chief Robert Wright said.
“The most important thing we do is protect victims,” Wright said. “(Knowing) they have someone fighting for them is what’s most important. That is why we do the job … for them.”
Patricia Wenskunas, founder of the victims’ advocacy nonprofit Crime Survivors, said family members of murder victims and victims of violent crimes will never have complete closure, but having this monument to visit during challenging times can provide healing.
OC District Attorney Todd Spitzer gives a hug to Crime Survivors Founder/CEO Patricia Wenskunas during the dedication ceremony of a Crime Victims Monument at the OC District Attorney’s office.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
“Survivors of rape and sexual assault and domestic violence and human trafficking and elder abuse and attempted murder … All victims of violent crime will have this monument to come to,” said Wenskunas, who was herself a victim of a violent attack in her home in 2002. “They have a beautiful monument and place to come back to during the triggers, of which they are always going to have triggers.”
Also in attendance was Westminster Police Department Deputy Chief Cameron Knauerhaze, a former Crime Survivors board member and current member of the nonprofit’s council.
The monument is a symbol of law enforcement’s role to support crime victims and survivors, Knauerhaze said.
“And this is such an appropriate place to have it,” he said. “Westminster, I know, is absolutely committed to do everything we can to ensure crime victims get justice and the support they need and the families get the support they need.”
Families and friends of past victims gather in front of a new Crime Victims Monument during a dedication ceremony at the OC District Attorney’s office.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
The $31,000 monument was funded by donations, mostly from victims’ families, said Kimberly Edds, spokesperson for the district attorney.
The inscription on the monument reads: “In honor of those we have lost and those who have survived. Their faces will never be forgotten, their voices will never be silenced, and the fight for justice will carry on for eternity.”
A ceremony is held to dedicate a Crime Victims Monument at the OC District Attorney’s office. Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Crime Survivors Founder/CEO Patricia Wenskunas speaks during the dedication ceremony of a Crime Victims Monument at the OC District Attorney’s office.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
People place flowers at the base of the new Crime Victims Monument at the conclusion of a dedication ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Families and friends of past victims gather in front of a new Crime Victims Monument during a dedication ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Law enforcement officers attending the Crime Victims Monument dedication ceremony include, from left, (sitting) Tustin Deputy Chief Bob Wright, La Habra Police Chief Adam Foster, La Habra Lt. Jose Rocha, Orange Police Chief Dan Adams, Orange PD Capt. Eric Rosauer and Newport Beach Police Chief Jon Lewis.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Crime Survivors Founder/CEO Patricia Wenskunas and OC District Attorney Todd Spitzer give each other a hug at the conclusion of the new Crime Victims Monument dedication ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Photos of victims who have died at the hands of another fill the wall of the OC District Attorney’s Office building on Santa Ana Boulevard.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Crime Survivors Founder/CEO Patricia Wenskunas with Westminster Police Deputy Chief Cameron Knauerhaze at the conclusion of a dedication ceremony for the new Crime Victims Monument.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
OC District Attorney Todd Spitzer during the OC’s Crime Victims Monument dedication ceremony at the OC District Attorney’s Office.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
District Attorney Police Honor Guard arrives with the flags at the start of OC’s Crime Victims Monument dedication ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
