Police Memorial Ceremony Held

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Local police officers remembered those who paid the ultimate price for public safety.

Local law enforcement and family members of local fallen officers gathered in downtown Bakersfield on Monday to honor seven Bakersfield police officers whose lives were sacrificed for the community and the department.

Bakersfield Police Chief Bill Rector talked about the dangers officers face on a daily basis.

He said three officers have been shot at in the last three months, including one officer, Dennis Eddy, who was injured in a shooting.

The last officer to die in the line of duty was William Sikola, 25 years ago.

He was a motorcycle officer who died in a crash after losing control of his bike.

His daughter Amber Sikola placed a wreath on the memorial.

She was only one year old when her father died. She said it's important to keep her father's legacy alive.

The Bakersfield Police Department holds a memorial ceremony each year in front of the police department to remember fallen officers.

This week is recognized as National Police Week.

There are going to be memorials throughout the nation to pay tribute to fallen officers.