MARTINEZ, Calif. — Blue ribbons are tied around trees that stand guard at the steps of the Martinez Police department. A bouquet of red roses and two votive candles sit on a bench in the station lobby. These symbols are just some of the reminders the East Bay community is also mourning the loss of one of their own, fallen officer Tara O'Sullivan.
Martinez Police Lieutenant Patrick Salamid said, "Tara O'Sullivan will always be remembered as a vibrant, energetic and passionate community servant who rose through the ranks as an explorer sergeant and served the community with a purpose."
Salamid worked with O'Sullivan in the Martinez explorer program. The program helps people who are thinking about one day having a career in law enforcement. Salamid remembered how focused O'Sullivan was on what she wanted to be.
"How many people know exactly what they want to do when they're that age?" he said, in awe of her commitment.
Tara O'Sullivan did. She was so laser-focused she also participated in a similar program at the Pleasant Hill Police Department just six miles away.
She was also a graduate of College Park High. The flag has been at half-staff since her death and a makeshift memorial of flowers and flags has been forming at its base.
ABC10 reached out to a number of members of the community for on-camera interviews but all declined citing respect for the family's wishes.
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On Friday, June 21, Sacramento Police Department Officer Tara O’Sullivan's body was transported to a funeral home in Elk Grove where she will lie in rest until her funeral service.
