News

Actions

Bakersfield police create a 'Last Stand' downtown, as a way to say goodbye to retiring officers

A silent, respectful salute to a former colleague
The Last Stand
Posted

It's called 'the Last Stand'... a simple, somewhat understated tradition that started about 10 years ago inside the Bakersfield Police Department.

Officers forming a small tunnel of cruisers with lights flashing, to send off a retiring colleague with more than 15 years on the force.

There's no pomp or circumstance, just a nearly silent 'drive by' with a farewell wave to their brothers and sisters in blue.

On this day, Sgt. Matt Eastman put the finishing touch on a more than 28 yr career.

A cadet with current Police Chief Lyle Martin at the Academy back in the day.

Now, Chief Martin is the only remaining member of that class, still with the BPD.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Tuesday

06/09/2026

Clear

-° / 66°

1%

Wednesday

06/10/2026

Clear

96° / 71°

0%

Thursday

06/11/2026

Clear

104° / 74°

0%

Friday

06/12/2026

Clear

106° / 74°

0%

Saturday

06/13/2026

Clear

105° / 73°

0%

Sunday

06/14/2026

Clear

104° / 72°

0%

Monday

06/15/2026

Clear

103° / 73°

0%

Tuesday

06/16/2026

Clear

103° / 75°

0%