For Immediate Release: May 16, 2008
Contact: Karen Clifton
Phone: (559) 445-5532

Fresno, CA – Surrounded by local law enforcement agencies and firefighters, Assemblymember Juan Arambula (D-Fresno) remembered fallen officers and firefighters today that made the ultimate sacrifice to serve and protect our communities.  To pay tribute to those fallen peace officers and firefighters, Assemblymember Arambula announced his pledge to ensure funding continues for memorials honoring those who have died in the line of duty.

AB 1812, sponsored by Assemblymember Arambula, seeks to extend the voluntary tax check-offs for the California Peace Officers Memorial Foundation and the California Firefighters’ Memorial Fund from January 1, 2011 to January 1, 2016.  Currently, this is the only state funding mechanism for these memorials.  The funds raised through the voluntary tax check-offs maintain the Memorials in Capitol Park and offer other public safety programs and ceremonies for fallen peace officers and firefighters.  And both of the programs offer support to surviving family members of fallen peace officers and firefighters.

“We must memorialize those who’ve fallen while putting service above all else, and ensure our memorials serve as a constant reminder of those public servants who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” Chief Randy Bruegman, Fresno City Fire Department.  “Additionally, AB1812 will serve to help protect and educate our most vulnerable citizens through outreach and education.”

According to Arambula there are currently 14 voluntary tax check-offs that people can contribute to that range from Alzheimer’s research, emergency food assistance and cancer research.  Contributions have historically ranged from $300,000 to $800,000 per year.  Arambula stated that the tax check-offs are an easy and safe way for people to contribute to causes that are important to them. 

“Everyday our peace officers and firefighters put their lives in danger to ensure our neighborhoods and communities are safe,” said Assemblymember Arambula.  “It is our job to make sure those family members of fallen peace officers and firefighters are taken care of and the memory of their loved ones is forever remembered.”

Assemblymember Arambula also announced the introduction of ACR 128, which will name a portion of State Highway Route 33 in Firebaugh for slain police officer Sixto Maldonado Jr. who started his career with the Firebaugh Police Department in 1973. He was tragically killed in the line of duty on August 19, 1975 at the age of 23.  Officer Maldonado left behind wife, Rosie Maldonado and one son, Sixto Maldonado III.

“Our family is deeply touched and very grateful to Assemblymember Arambula for sponsoring this resolution.  Sixto’s contributed so much to our family and our community in the short time he was with us, but now his memory can live on forever,” said Arthur Maldonado, representative for Officer Sixto Maldonado’s family.

“Officer Maldonado left a legacy of his distinguished service to law enforcement,” said Arambula.  “Because of his tremendous influence in the lives of his family members, three of his brothers and his nephew all followed in his foot steps and have become peace officers in Fresno County.”