In honor of fallen heroes

It was a bittersweet moment for Corning Police Sergeant Don Atkins as he held a lit candle in his hand during Wednesday evening's Tehama County Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremony. Atkins' candle was in memory of his brother, David Allen Atkins, a Tehama County Sheriff's deputy who passed away April 30, 2007.

"It means a lot to me that they included Dave in this ceremony. They didn't have to, but still they did and that is very special," Atkins said.

Usually the annual memorial ceremony honors officers from throughout the state who have died in the line of duty. This year an exception was made to remember Dave Atkins who passed away at home.

Deputy Atkins was one of 10 peace officers and one Cal-Fire staff chief who were memorialized during the event, which was held in Red Bluff at the Bethel Assembly of God church.

A native of Corning, Jennifer (Williams) Zackman sang the National Anthem as the TC Sheriff's Office Color Guard presented The Colors and her father, Tehama County Supervisor, District 4, read the Peace Officers Memorial Proclamations for the cities of Corning, Red Bluff, Tehama, and the county.

Former California Senator Jim Nielsen, currently a candidate for the state assembly, was the evening's keynote speaker.

"Each year we gather to remember those dear, brave souls who sacrificed their lives for ours," Nielsen said.

He spoke of Red Bluff Officer Dave Mobilio who was killed on-duty Nov. 19, 2002.

"The serenity of our quiet town was rent asunder by a man who anointed himself God and killed out his demented sense of patriotism," said Nielsen.

He recalled a talk he gave in 2005 when he was inducted into the Black Correctional Officers Hall of Fame, "I can't hold back, I must speak up. I am angry at federal judges, at newspapers, at legislators when they malign you and what you do. They have no understanding of the risks you take each day, the price you pay and some of you like Ineze Baker pay the ultimate price."

Nielsen explained during his time leading the California Board of Prison Terms, he and his family were placed in jeopardy on several occasions.

"Many nights officers have been parked in front of our home when credible threats warranted such attention and I will never forget those who protected my family," he said.

"Tis, indeed a noble calling, a higher calling, that requires commitment and courage others never can understand."

Others participating in the ceremony included Red Bluff Police Chief Scott Capilla, Chaplain Ron Fortenberry, Sheriff Clay Parker, Deputy Sheriff Chad Parker, Bob Skinner, Chaplain Ron Largent, and the Red Bluff Police Department performed at 21-gun salute.

Officers from each law enforcement agency in the county, local cities and Cal-Fire took part in the candle lighting ceremony.

This was the 13th annual Tehama County Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremony.