Behind the Badge
Westminster PD Lt. Ronald W. Weber passed away on June 6, 2003 after a battle with cancer resulting from his years of investigations of illegal drug labs.
Motor Officer Steven L. Phillips was fatally injured on Jan. 29, 2004 in an on-duty traffic accident.
Sgt. Marcus Frank lost his battle with a job-related illness on Oct. 10, 2007.
Westminster Honor Guard member Sgt. Bill Drinnin during the Westminster Police Officers Memorial Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The annual Westminster Police Officers Memorial Ceremony, held this year on May 23, honors these men and other officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
The event began with WPD Chief Ralph Ornelas presenting a bouquet of flowers to each of the fallen officer’s families, seated in the audience.
“It means so much to honor our brethren who’ve lost their lives,” Ornelas told the group of friends, family and members of law enforcement sitting and standing in the WPD courtyard adjacent to the fallen officers’ memorial.
Westminster PD Honor Guard members, from left, Sgt. Kevin MacCormick, Officer Kees Davis, Cpl. Jeremy Fletcher and Investigator James Delkmarch march into the Fallen Heroes Memorial grounds to raise the colors for the memorial ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Deputy Chief Al Panella spoke about the 630-mile bike ride that some WPD officers completed earlier that day as a remembrance and fundraiser for fallen officers.
“They did it primarily to keep the memories of Steve, Ron and Marcus alive,” he said.
He also had fond memories of the three men to share.
Westminster Police Chief Ralph Ornelas presents flowers to the family of Officer Steven Phillips during a memorial service.Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
“Steve had a knack for finding something funny in everything,” Panella said. “[Ron] provided me with absolutely invaluable advice about the profession. … [Marcus] taught many others tremendous amounts about his field.”
Ornelas said the day is a time to honor the lives of these fallen officers and remember their accomplishments, as well as honor their families.
Members of the Westminster PD stand as the National Anthem is sung during the WPD’s memorial service.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
“Not once did they ever shy away from the performance of their duties,” he said. “They were not in this profession for ribbons, stars or bars.
“Although they left this world too soon, their legacy lives on.”
Keynote Speaker Col. Keith D. Bushey, who also had a career in law enforcement, said police officers seem to have more challenges than ever before. He pointed out active shooters as a more common threat officers face, and he likened it to what Marines also face in the field.
Westminster Police Chief Ralph Ornelas presents flowers to the family of Lt. Ronald Weber during a memorial service.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
“They run into the eye of the storm,” he said.
A few students from Westmont Elementary School in Westminster also shared their essays about why it’s important to remember officers lost in the line of duty.
“They chase bad guys on their feet and they jump over walls.”
“We are here today to say thank you to them and let them know they are not forgotten.”
“A fallen officer is a hero.”
The Westminster PD Color Guard raises the flag during a memorial service at the WPD Fallen Heroes Memorial.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Following the Roll Call of Honor naming the three fallen WPD officers and the performance of “Taps,” there was a helicopter flyover.
“I want you to know that you are never alone and you’ll always be a member of the Westminster Police Department,” Ornelas said to the fallen officers’ families.
Colonel Keith Bushey gives the keynote speech during a memorial ceremony at WPD’s Fallen Heroes Memorial.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Westminster Police Chief Ralph Ornelas thanks Emily Mayorga after she read her essay as part of the Westminster Police Officers Memorial Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Jenna Yruretagoyena reads her essay during the Westminster Police Officers Memorial Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Westminster Police Chief Ralph Ornelas presents the chief’s challenge coin to Jenna Yruretagoyena after she read her essay during the Westminster Police Officers Memorial Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Westminster Police Chief Ralph Ornelas presents the chief’s challenge coin to Rocky Windrath, who read an essay during the Westminster Police Officers Memorial Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Westminster PD Honor Guard member Cpl. Jeremy Fletcher stands watch during the Westminster Police Officers Memorial Ceremony at the WPD Fallen Heroes Memorial. Sgt. Bill Drinnin is front left.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Westminster PD Honor Guard members, from left, Sgt. Kevin MacCormick, Officer Kees Davis, Cpl. Jeremy Fletcher and Investigator James Delk march into the Fallen Heroes Memorial grounds to raise the colors for the memorial ceremony. WPD Det. Rachel Proulx, who sings the National Anthem, follows behind them.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The flag flies at half-mast during a memorial ceremony at WPD’s Fallen Heroes Memorial.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Westminster Police Chief Ralph Ornelas speaks during the Westminster Police Officers Memorial Ceremony at the WPD Fallen Heroes Memorial.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Westminster Police Chief Ralph Ornelas welcomes Col. Keith Bushey to the podium for his keynote speech during the Westminster Police Officers Memorial Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Keynote speaker Col. Keith Bushey talks about the responsibilities and burdens of today’s police officers during a Memorial Ceremony at WPD’s Fallen Heroes Memorial.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Westminster PD Honor Guard member Investigator James Delk stands watch during the Westminster Police Officers Memorial Ceremony at the WPD Fallen Heroes Memorial.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Westminster Police Chief Ralph Ornelas speaks during the Westminster Police Officers Memorial Ceremony at the WPD Fallen Heroes Memorial.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The Irvine Police Honor Guard marches in to perform a 21-gun salute during the Westminster Police Officers Memorial Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Westminster PD Honor Guard member Cpl. Jeremy Fletcher stands watch during the Westminster Police Officers Memorial Ceremony at the WPD Fallen Heroes Memorial.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Westminster PD Deputy Chief Albert Panella speaks at the Westminster Police Officers Memorial Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Col. Keith Bushey delivers the keynote speech during a Memorial Ceremony at WPD’s Fallen Heroes Memorial.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
