The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office dedicated a new memorial Wednesday morning honoring 21 deputies who lost their lives in the line of duty, marking an emotional moment of remembrance and unity for law enforcement and the community.

Families of fallen deputies joined Sheriff John Zanoni, department personnel, and supporters at the memorial site at 1129 N. Armstrong Ave. Tears, prayers, and memories filled the ceremony as names etched in stone served as a solemn reminder of sacrifice.

“I truly am in awe of what has been accomplished,” Zanoni said. “Today is not about any one person who helped build this memorial, but about honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. They are the reason this memorial was built.”

The ceremony highlighted both the strength and humanity of the sheriff’s department, said Heath Lancaster-Ferreira, whose husband served with the agency.

“This is a close-knit organization,” she said. “It means so much not just to the families, but to the department and Fresno County to have a place where they can all be honored together.”

For many families, the dedication reopened grief and healing in equal measure.

“It was absolutely beautiful,” said Jami Lucas, whose husband died in 2016. “Memories, the pain, the heartache — but it’s an honor for the 21 on that wall. My husband loved his job, loved his family, and loved God. I appreciate this. It’s an honor.”

The memorial, located at 1129 N. Armstrong Ave., Fresno, stands as a lasting tribute to courage, service, and the deep bonds shared among those who dedicate their lives to protecting the community.

A Look at the Memorial