PRESS RELEASE

Above: Representatives from the Long Beach Police and Fire Departments hold the American Flag
in front of the bronze memorial, located in the Civic Center Plaza, during the Annual Police and Fire
Memorial Ceremony held on May 6, 2025.

Long Beach, CA – City of Long Beach officials today honored fallen Police and Fire Department employees at the annual Police and Fire Memorial Ceremony. The morning event, a longstanding tradition for the Police and Fire Departments, was held at the Police and Fire Memorial monument in the Civic Center Plaza downtown and paid tribute to the 29 police employees and 14 firefighters who have lost their lives in service to the Long Beach community.

“Today we come together to honor those who served and continue to serve our community with extraordinary courage, fierce dedication and unwavering resolve,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “We stand in solidarity with the families and loved ones of our fallen heroes, and we will never forget their sacrifice. We carry their profound legacies forward each day in our hearts and in the strength of our community.”

The ceremony included remarks by Mayor Rex Richardson, Police Chief Wally Hebeish and Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan and was emceed by Police Deputy Chief Megan Zabel and Deputy Chief Jason Hosea. Family and loved ones of the fallen were invited to attend and other City leaders were also in attendance.

Ceremonial elements included the posting of the colors, flag presentation, and two time-honored traditions of the Police and Fire Departments – a 21-gun salute and “Last Alarm” tribute. The 21-gun salute, consisting of three ceremonial gunshot volleys by the Long Beach City Honor Guards, is a tradition historically used by law enforcement, along with the playing of Taps, to honor, pay respect and bid farewell to its fallen heroes. The “Last Alarm” tribute, in the past, signified the beginning and end to a firefighter’s day of service, their summoning to the call of duty and the solemn announcement of a firefighter’s line of duty passing. Today, the ringing of the bell – three rings, three times each – serves as a moment of reflection, honor and respect to those who have given so much and who have served so well.

“This memorial is a solemn reminder of the courage and selflessness shown by our fallen officers and firefighters,” said Police Chief Wally Hebeish. “We stand with their families, their friends, and our community in honoring their legacy and the sacrifices they made in service to others.”

“Today, we stand united to honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who gave everything in service to our community,” said Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan. “The legacy of our fallen heroes lives on in the spirit of resilience that continues to define Long Beach. Their courage and selflessness inspire us every day, reminding us all of the sacred bond between fire, police, and the people we serve.”

Community members may watch a playback of the Police and Fire Memorial Ceremony on the following City platforms:

• City of Long Beach Facebook and X pages @LongBeachCity and on YouTube @LongBeachCityCA
• Long Beach Police and Fire Department Facebook pages @LongBeachPD.CA and @LongBeachFD
• Long Beach Television Facebook and YouTube and at LBTV3.com.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.