GALT, Calif. — Six years after Galt Police K9 Officer Kevin Tonn was killed in the line of duty, his city still remembers him.
"So, every year we try to make sure that we remember Kevin. And, every single day we try to remember Kevin," Galt Police Chief Tod Sockman said.
It was along the railroad tracks at Third and F Streets where Tonn approached a man believed to be a burglary suspect. Suddenly, a fight broke out. The suspect pulled a handgun and shot the officer.
At the very spot Tonn lost his life, a moment of silence was held with family, friends and fellow officers. His K9 partner Yaro was on hand, too.
With the sorrowful sounds of Taps playing in the background, a short time later, a wreath ceremony took place in front of Galt City Hall and the city's permanent Fallen Heroes Memorial. It's where a photo of Tonn and Yaro are etched into stone.
Tonn's former Galt Police Chief Bill Bowen, now retired, made the trip to Galt from his home in Reno. He says when he learned of the death of Davis Police Officer Natalie Corona, Tonn's death immediately flashed through his mind.
"Comes right back to the day, as far as responding to the scene and some of the officers that are standing close to us were there with me," Bowen said. "They responded and we ended-up putting Kevin in the ambulance and sending him to the hospital."
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With the increasing number of officers targeted in line-of-duty killings, Sockman believes too many people get their information about law enforcement from social media leading to a "false narrative."
"There's a few, very few, minority of people, small group of people, that have this issue with law enforcement," Sockman said. "And instead of trying to have a good dialogue to understand each other, it's just, there's a lot of hate."
Tonn's father, Will, says for his son, law enforcement was a calling to protect and serve.
"Anytime you see an officer say a prayer if you have a chance," Will said. "Thank them personally for what they do every day."
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