California State Sheriffs' Association

This week, we pause to honor the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of the men and women who serve in law enforcement across California and our nation.

National Police Week is a time to remember those who have given their lives in the line of duty, to support the families who carry their legacy forward, and to stand alongside the deputies and officers who continue to serve with integrity and dedication each day.

The California State Sheriffs’ Association extends its deepest gratitude to all who wear the badge. Your service does not go unnoticed, and your sacrifices will never be forgotten.

We encourage our communities to take a moment this week to reflect, show appreciation, and keep our fallen heroes and their loved ones in your thoughts.

Happy Mother’s Day

Today, the California State Sheriffs’ Association honors and celebrates all mothers across our great state.

We recognize the strength, sacrifice, and unwavering love that mothers bring to their families and communities each and every day.

Wishing you a safe, joyful, and well-deserved Mother’s Day.

Honoring the strength, dedication, and sacrifice of correctional officers this National Correctional Officers Week, 5/3–5/9. Thank you for all you do every day. 💙

The day is here! We’re proud to be part of Big Day of Giving 💚

If you’re planning to give in honor of Law Enforcement Week, we invite you to support us through the link in our bio. Giving is open until midnight!

Your generosity helps us continue our mission through vital trainings and impactful programs, including scholarships for high school seniors and our Annual Medal of Valor ceremony honoring extraordinary courage.

Thank you to everyone who has already given, we are truly grateful. 💚

Early Giving is Open!

The California State Sheriffs’ Association Foundation is proud to participate in the Big Day of Giving (BDOG) tomorrow, Thursday, May 7th. If you’re planning to make a donation in honor of Law Enforcement Week, we kindly encourage you to do so through the link in our bio, which is active now.

The giving window is currently open, with the main event taking place virtually tomorrow, Thursday, May 7th.

🔗 https://www.bigdayofgiving.org/give/CSSAF

At approximately 3:00am, Thursday, November 20, 2025, Officers from the Alhambra Police Department were in pursuit of a gray SUV with three occupants in the San Gabriel Valley. Near Valley Boulevard and Edgewood Drive, the suspect’s vehicle struck Alhambra Police Officer Alec Sanders’ marked patrol vehicle before coming to a stop in a nearby parking lot. Officer Sanders’ vehicle sustained major damage, with airbags deployed. He was rushed to Los Angeles General Medical Center, approximately four miles from the collision site. The suspect driver and one of the passengers were injured, and the second passenger died at the scene.

Tragically, Officer Sanders’ injuries were not survivable. Speaking at a news conference, Alhambra Police Chief Garrett Kennedy reported that Officer Sanders had gone to work Wednesday night to cover a shift for one of his colleagues. Chief Kennedy also noted that Officer Sanders, who had been with the Alhambra Police Department for 8 months, was sworn in just two weeks prior. Officer Sanders previously served with the Long Beach Police Department for just over one year. Chief Kennedy said he will be “remembered for his dedication, his kindness, and the positive impact he had on everyone.”

Officer Alec Sanders, age 28, is survived by his fiancée, two younger sisters, and a brother.

At approximately 12:37pm on Monday, October 27, 2025, San Bernardino Co. Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the 12300 block of Hollyhock in Rancho Cucamonga for a domestic violence call with an armed male threatening a female. At 12:42pm, Deputies arrived and were immediately met with gunfire by the suspect. Deputy Andrew Nuñez sustained a single gunshot wound and was airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton where, despite all life-saving efforts, he passed away at 1:13pm.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled on a motorcycle, initiating a high-speed chase that ended in a major crash on the 210 Freeway near Upland, where the suspect was taken into custody.

Deputy Nuñez was a 6-year veteran of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and is survived by his wife and 2-year-old daughter; as well as his mother and four brothers and sisters.

At approximately 10:25pm on Monday, October 20, 2025, Officer Lauren Craven with the La Mesa Police Department was returning from the San Diego Central Jail in her marked patrol vehicle when she stopped to assist motorists involved in a multi-vehicle collision on eastbound I-8 at Fairmount Avenue in the College Area. CHP officials reported a driver lost control of their vehicle and hit another car, overturned, and then came to rest on the freeway lanes. That disabled vehicle was then struck by another car. In total, five vehicles were involved in the collision.

Officer Craven and the driver in the initial incident were struck by an oncoming vehicle while the officer was assisting two motorists involved in the collision. CHP Officers performed lifesaving efforts, but tragically Officer Craven died at the scene.

Officer Craven, age 25, joined the La Mesa Police Department in February 2024, and was assigned to the Patrol Division.

Shortly after 7:30 a.m., on Friday, July 18, 2025, an explosion occurred at the Los Angeles Co. Sheriff’s Department’s Biscailuz Training Facility in East Los Angeles where, tragically, three Detectives lost their lives. The incident transpired in the parking lot of the Special Enforcement Bureau at the facility. The Detectives were part of LASD’s Arson Explosives Detail, and officials reported that it appeared work was being done to render a device safe before it exploded.

Detective Joshua Kelley-Eklund joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in March 2006 under Academy Class 348. He was later assigned to the Pitchess Detention Center North and North County Correctional Facility. Detective Kelley-Eklund later transferred to Lennox Sheriff Station in 2010 and became a Field Training Officer at South Los Angeles Station, mentoring several new deputies as trainees. He was known as an outstanding field training officer who was professional and articulate. Detective Kelley-Eklund later promoted to the rank of Detective at Narcotics Bureau in 2016 where he was assigned to the LA Impact Team investigating complex crimes, seizing large quantities of narcotics, and assisting in the arrests of murder suspects. In 2022 he became an Arson and Explosive Investigator with the Special Enforcement Bureau and received his bomb tech certifications as well as other training accolades. Detective Kelley-Eklund is survived by his loving wife, Jessica Eklund, and their seven children.

Shortly after 7:30 a.m., on Friday, July 18, 2025, an explosion occurred at the Los Angeles Co. Sheriff’s Department’s Biscailuz Training Facility in East Los Angeles where, tragically, three Detectives lost their lives. The incident transpired in the parking lot of the Special Enforcement Bureau at the facility. The Detectives were part of LASD’s Arson Explosives Detail, and officials reported that it appeared work was being done to render a device safe before it exploded.

Detective Victor Lemus joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on July 1, 2003, as a Security Assistant. He completed the Deputy Sheriff Academy as a part of Class 339 in 2003 before he was assigned to Twin Towers Correctional Facility where he ran on the Baker to Vegas running team. Following that, he transferred to Century Station, where he worked as a Senior Training Officer and Detective. At Century Station he continued running on Baker to Vegas teams as an anchor for some of the most difficult legs of the relay race. He transferred to the Special Enforcement Bureau in 2017 where he was assigned as a K-9 Handler prior to becoming an Arson and Explosive Investigator last year. He received commendations for his ability to mentor and train fellow deputies as well as notable arrests involving career criminals. Detective Lemus is survived by his wife, Sheriff’s Department Detective Nancy Lemus and three daughters. He has three sisters who are also on the Department, Sergeant Belen Lemus at Special Victims Bureau, Deputy Perla Lemus at Century Sheriff Station, and Custody Assistant Wendy Lemus of Population and Management Bureau. He is also survived by his brothers Alfredo, Pedro, Juan, and Efren and brother-in-law Sergeant Robert Catalan who is assigned to Carson Station.