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About the Foundation

Our history, mission, and the people dedicated to honoring our fallen heroes.

Our History

The Sacramento Police & Sheriff Memorial Foundation was established by families, colleagues, and community supporters of officers who made the ultimate sacrifice serving the greater Sacramento area. Born from grief and transformed by purpose, our Foundation ensures that the names, faces, and stories of our fallen heroes are never lost to history.

Sacramento has a long and distinguished law enforcement history stretching back to the Gold Rush era. The men and women who wore the badge of the Sacramento Police Department and the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office have stood watch over this community for over 150 years — and 44 of them gave their lives in that service.

From the city's earliest years in the 1860s to the present day, each line-of-duty death has left an irreplaceable void. The Foundation exists to fill that void with memory, respect, and action — supporting survivors while educating the public about the true cost of public safety.

Our Mission

"To honor and preserve the memory of law enforcement officers of the Sacramento Police Department and Sacramento County Sheriff's Office who have given their lives in the line of duty, and to support the families they leave behind."

Our Values

  • Honor: We treat every fallen officer's memory with the dignity and reverence their sacrifice deserves.
  • Remembrance: We ensure that no officer is forgotten — maintaining accurate records and biographies for generations to come.
  • Support: We provide resources, community, and advocacy for surviving family members and colleagues.
  • Education: We help the public understand the profound risks officers face and the communities that rely on them.
  • Integrity: We operate with full transparency, ensuring that donor resources directly serve our mission.

Board of Directors

Our Foundation is guided by dedicated leaders from law enforcement, the community, and beyond.

Chief Kathleen M. Torres (Ret.)

President & Chair

Chief Torres served 28 years with the Sacramento Police Department, retiring as Chief of Police. She founded the Sacramento Police & Sheriff Memorial Foundation to ensure the stories and sacrifices of fallen officers are never forgotten.

Sheriff Robert J. Alvarez (Ret.)

Vice President

Sheriff Alvarez served 32 years with the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, retiring as Sheriff. He brings decades of leadership experience to the Foundation's board.

Sergeant Diana M. Chen (Ret.)

Secretary

Sergeant Chen served 22 years with the Sacramento Police Department. She is a strong advocate for officer wellness and survivor support programs.

Lieutenant Frank D. Morrison (Ret.)

Treasurer

Lieutenant Morrison served 26 years with the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office. His financial expertise helps ensure the Foundation's resources are used wisely.

Dr. Susan R. Navarro

Director

Dr. Navarro is a community leader and philanthropist who has long supported public safety initiatives in Sacramento. She brings expertise in nonprofit governance and community relations.

Marcus T. Williams, Esq.

Director

Mr. Williams is a Sacramento attorney and civic leader. He provides legal guidance to the Foundation and advocates for the rights of fallen officers' families.

Captain Patricia L. Hughes (Ret.)

Director

Captain Hughes served 24 years with the Sacramento Police Department. She chairs the Foundation's survivor outreach committee.

James A. Rodriguez

Director

Mr. Rodriguez is a business leader and community advocate. He chairs the Foundation's fundraising committee and helps secure support for the Foundation's mission.

Law Enforcement Partners

We work closely with both agencies that serve Sacramento to honor their fallen members.

Sacramento Police Department

Founded 1849 — Serving the City of Sacramento

Sacramento County Sheriff's Office

Founded 1850 — Serving Sacramento County