From EPD: On October 1, 1962, President John F. Kennedy declared May 15 of each year as “Peace Officers Memorial Day,” and the week in which it falls as “National Police Week.” On this Peace Officer Memorial Day, we stop to honor and remember the three brave and dedicated members of the Eureka Police Department who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our city.
We also want to recognize and pay tribute to the brave men and women of the Eureka Police Department who are currently serving our great city with selfless and dedicated service. We are all facing a new norm, new hurdles and dangers like we have never seen in our lifetimes.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the face of our cities and communities and changed the way we carry out our mission. The anxiety and stress are real among our law enforcement professionals who not only have to worry about their health and safety, but unlike the many dangers we face, they have to worry about exposing their families to this silent, unseen evil. Yet they continue to show up each and every day and fulfill their solemn oath to protect and serve. For this we commend each and every one of them.
In 2019, 135 officers lost their lives in the line of duty. As with our fallen officers, we don’t remember them for how they died, instead we remember them for how they lived! COVID-19 has caused ceremonies across this country to be canceled, but with resolve we still remember. On May 13th, the Annual Candle Light Vigil was held virtually, as the names of the fallen were read aloud and the stories of the survivors shared. As it reads at the National Law Enforcement Memorial, “In Valor there is Hope!” On behalf of the Eureka Police Department and our families, “We will never forget!”
In memory of their bravery and sacrifices and the pain and loss their families have endured over the years, we remember our fallen officers:
Officer Pete Carroll, age 55, End of Watch: October 31, 1945.
On Halloween night 1945, the only two police units on duty were both responding to a jail break at Juvenile Hall at 6th and I Streets. Police Radios would not come for several years, so the units had no communication between them. When they did not hear each other’s sirens, they collided at the intersection of 7th and H Streets, killing Officer Carroll.
Officer Pat Mitchell, age 26, End of Watch: December 01, 1974.
On December 01, 1945 there was a large riot at the Eureka Municipal Auditorium. All on-duty EPD officers, as well as several CHP and Humboldt County Sheriff units, were busy at the riot when a silent burglary alarm was received at Cannman’s Market. Two off duty officers, Sgt. Fred Keplinger and Officer Pat Mitchell, happened to be in the department, and since all on-duty personnel were busy, they volunteered to respond to the alarm. While traveling southbound on H Street a vehicle leaving the auditorium ran a stop sign at 16th Street, broadsiding the officer’s car. Their car burst into flames, trapping Officer Mitchell inside.
Detective Charlie Swanson, age 47, End of Watch: November 21, 1996.
On November 21, 1996, Detective Charles Swanson and Detective Pat Freese were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on a subject wanted for rape, molestation, and burglary. When the suspect attempted to flee in his vehicle, he crashed into a ditch. The suspect fled on foot with Detective Swanson in close pursuit. A struggle ensued when Detective Swanson and Detective Freese caught the suspect. Once the handcuffs were on the suspect, Detective Swanson suffered a fatal heart attack.
