By: Nicole Acker

On May 3, 2017, police representatives, dignitaries, members of the 100 Club of San Mateo County and fallen officer's families attended the Annual Fallen Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony at the San Mateo County History Museum in Redwood City. Menlo Park Police Officer David Apple represented Menlo Park’s fallen Officer John Lyle at the ceremony. Officer Lyle’s wife, Norma Lyle, and family were also in attendance at the ceremony. Officer Lyle’s life was tragically cut short while in the line of duty on Sept. 22, 1960. Officer Lyle's memory continues to be honored. His badge No. 31 has been retired. 

This memorial ceremony, which is partially sponsored by the 100 Club of San Mateo County, is held annually in conjunction with National Police Week to commemorate all law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. Attendees watched as a wreath was laid at the foot of the Memorial accompanied by an honor guard and bagpipers. Reflections are made about the memorial ceremony and the importance of remembering and supporting fallen officers and their families. The "Honor Roll" of the fallen San Mateo County officers was called out; a representative from that fallen officer's agency approached the memorial with a single rose, placed it in a vase at the foot of the memorial, and gave a hand salute before taking a place on the steps. Family members of fallen officers and other attendees met afterward for refreshments in the History Museum.