PRESS RELEASE

 
Above from left to right: Firefighter/Paramedic Matthew Ambriz carries the American flag at the 2026 Honor the Fallen Police and Fire Memorial Ceremony; Long Beach Police Department officers unfurl an American flag during the city’s annual ceremony. 

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 honor the legacy of our fallen heroes, the police officers and firefighters whose dedication and bravery will not be forgotten,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “We pause to remember those who gave everything in the line of duty, and we stand in enduring gratitude to their families and loved ones.”

The ceremony included remarks by Mayor Rex Richardson, Police Chief Wally Hebeish and Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan and was emceed by Police Deputy Chief Ryan LeBaron and Deputy Chief Jim Underwood. 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–served as a moment of reflection, honor and respect to those who dedicated their lives to protecting others.

“This memorial is a tribute to the bravery, compassion, and selflessness demonstrated by our fallen police officers and fire firefighters who will never be forgotten,” said Police Chief Wally Hebeish. “Today, we honor their legacy by reflecting on the ultimate sacrifice they made in service to others.”

“Each name we remember today represents a life of service defined by courage, selflessness and an unbreakable commitment to this community,” said Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan. “While their loss is deeply felt, their spirit continues to guide and inspire every member of our department as we carry forward their mission to protect and serve.”

To learn more about the Long Beach Police Department, visit longbeach.gov/police. For more information about the Long Beach Fire Department, visit longbeach.gov/fire.

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.