Officers Ride in the Spirit of 15 Comrades Killed in Year

Traffic cop Phil Walters traded his Los Angeles police-issue motorcycle and badge on Sunday to cruise another beat.

On most weekends, he would be patrolling the streets of the San Fernando Valley, writing speeding tickets or making arrests. Instead, Walters joined about 1,000 law enforcement officers and police boosters from across Southern California, rumbling his monster GoldWing Honda through 80 winding miles of back roads in a campaign to raise money for the families of fallen comrades.

Looking more like tattooed ruffians than spit-shine officers, these jackbooted bikers raised about $20,000 through the so-called Downed Officers Support Ride--an event sponsored by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Accessories Unlimited, a Newhall motorcycle shop.

The potential beneficiaries are, sadly, numerous. Fifteen officers were slain in Southern California since the first ride one year ago.

The motorcycle tour and afternoon barbecue at the Melody Ranch and Motion Picture Studio amounted to more than a simple fund-raiser. It served as a day of solidarity for officers who had never met, providing a few hours to honor those killed in the line of duty and those who step into danger every time they carry a badge.

“It doesn’t matter what department you’re with. We’re all the same,” said Walters, 42, seated in faded jeans and work boots atop his sleek motorcycle with his wife, Bridgett. “It’s like a brotherhood.”

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The day began with a somber recognition of the hazards of police work, a frightening reality repeated just 11 days ago when Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Shayne York was slain while off duty.

York, 26, was killed during a robbery at a Buena Park beauty salon. While going through his wallet, two robbers allegedly found York’s deputy badge, ordered him to lie on the floor and then shot him.

In the parking lot of Accessories Unlimited, the police bikers gathered Sunday morning to commemorate York and the other officers slain in Southern California since last year. They also honored an officer killed in Eureka.

Honor guards presented the California and United States flags. An officer conducted roll call, announcing the names of each slain officer, police agency and date of death. Los Angeles Police Chief Bernard C. Parks and former Chief Daryl F. Gates offered words of thanks and encouragement.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Bob Norlemann, an event organizer, said the ceremony was part of an ongoing healing process for officers.

“It’s important to . . . mourn officers killed in the line of duty,” Norlemann said. A contingent of Glendale police officers and city workers brought their own personal message about Officer Charles Lazzaretto, 30, who was gunned down in May at a Chatsworth warehouse. His colleagues refused Sunday to let the memory of their friend pass with him.

Some city workers wore T-shirts with Lazzaretto’s name and the date of his death emblazoned on the back. A close family friend tied a wreath with his picture to the front of her minivan and painted these few words on the side window: “Chuck Lazzaretto, Glendale P.D., Killed May 28, 1997.”

More than 20 of Lazzaretto’s colleagues signed up for the motorcycle ride, raising about $500 for his widow and two young children.

“Chuck was a gentleman’s gentleman,” recalled Gary Moore, a radio communications technician for the city of Glendale. “He was a caring individual. You wouldn’t forget him.”

Others who participated in the fund-raiser expressed the same sentiments. The $15 entry fee plus funds from a raffle and T-shirt sale went to a support group for families of slain officers.

Indeed, some police officers traveled hours on their motorcycles to join the cavalcade. Among them was Darlene Bell, an officer from Costa Mesa.

“We support our guys,” said Bell, 56, wearing black jeans, hoop earrings, pink lipstick and a jean vest with bright white letters that said “Choir Boys,” a biker organization composed of peace officers who ride Harleys. “We’re family.”

Bell and the others traveled on back roads between Newhall and Acton, and then retreated to the Melody Ranch movie set for barbecued beef and beans.

It was early afternoon by the time all of the bikers arrived, parking their shining motorcycles in rows as long as football fields. By that time, the mood of the day had shifted: A band whose members sported pompadours and bright red suits, played 1950s rock ‘n’ roll. The officers relaxed with cans of Coke and slushy lemonade drinks.

Even as a stunt show and raffle got underway, some in the crowd sought to maintain the serious tone.

“It’s a shame to see so many cops go down,” said Sebastien Kupiec, who manages a Los Angeles city pool in Pacoima and came to show support for the officers. “They’re out doing a job. It’s sad that certain people don’t respect that authority.”