Law enforcement officers solemnly saluted as the family of La Mesa police Officer Lauren Craven revealed the latest name to be inscribed on the county’s fallen officer memorial Wednesday.
Craven, who was killed late last year by a suspected drunken driver, was the 92nd name to be added to the monument just outside the County Administration Center on Pacific Coast Highway in downtown San Diego.
La Mesa police Officer Lauren Craven. (La Mesa Police Department)
“While her time in uniform was cut far too short, her impact was not,” said La Mesa police Chief Ray Sweeney. “Because what defines a life is not the length, but its meaning, and Lauren’s meaning is found in the lives she touched, the community she served and the example she set.”
This year’s Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial ceremony honored not only Craven — the only local law enforcement officer who died in the line of duty over the last year — but all other officers from various agencies who have died since San Diego County was founded in 1850.
Craven, 25, was killed Oct. 20 after she was struck by a vehicle on the side of Interstate 8 near Waring Road. The on-duty officer had pulled over to help with a separate crash that had happened moments prior. Another driver at the scene, 19-year-old De’Veonte Morris, also died.
Antonio Alcantar, 38, a military police officer, later pleaded not guilty to charges in connection with the crash that killed Craven.
Law officers attend the 40th annual Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Craven was remembered during the ceremony as brave and courageous, and as someone whose personality had a positive impact on her colleagues as well as her community.
“We’ll never forget her,” La Mesa police Lt. Travis Higgins said. “Her light will always shine in our hearts and within everything that we do.”
In attendance at the event were community leaders, Craven’s family and more than 50 La Mesa officers. Hundreds of other officers from the law enforcement agencies around the county also filled the area in front of the memorial and lined Harbor Drive. During the ceremony, the sworn officers and deputies saluted as a wreath with Craven’s photograph was presented at the monument. A rifle team also fired a 21-gun salute, and a band of bagpipes played the song “Amazing Grace.”
A police boat shoots out water during the 40th annual Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Ceremony. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Wednesday’s event was one of a handful that the fallen La Mesa officer is being honored at as part of this year’s National Police Week, an annual event that recognizes fallen officers throughout the country.
Craven was recognized Monday in Sacramento during an event that was attended by her family and some of her colleagues. Her name will also be read aloud next week during a ceremony at the National Peace Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.
On Thursday, the La Mesa Police Department has invited the community to attend a ceremony during which Craven’s name will be added to a memorial in front of their station. The ceremony begins at 4 p.m. in front of the department’s headquarters at 8085 University Ave.