ELK GROVE, Calif. — If you drove by Elk Grove Boulevard on Tuesday you probably noticed the sea of Blue Ribbons. A volunteer group put them up in support of law enforcement and in memory of fallen Sacramento Police Officer Tara O’Sullivan.
O'Sullivan, 26, died at UC Davis Medical Center hours after a gunman opened fire on her and other officers. The man who allegedly shot and killed O'Sullivan was taken into custody shortly around 2 a.m. Thursday, police officials confirmed.
Carole Peak and Sheri Blanco were two of the volunteers. They walked a good stretch of Elk Grove Boulevard placing the blue ribbons on street lights, trees, and fences. Peak said she wants those who work in law enforcement to feel appreciated.
“They go out to work every day and they put their lives on the line. They don’t think about themselves, they think about the people they are protecting. And when you need a police officer they are there to take care of you,” said Peak.
Blanco is 26-years-old, the same age as O’Sullivan. She never met officer O’Sullivan but says she is moved by her story and her ultimate sacrifice.
“I want to be there for the family and show them that we are here for their daughter and I support them all the way. I always wanted to be a police officer but my mom I don’t think she would want me to be in law enforcement. So, we just stuck with a safer job," said Blanco. "That’s what makes me appreciate [police officers] so much because they are going out and risking their lives every day and people don’t understand this is a tough job.”
Peak's three adult children work in law enforcement. ABC10 asked her how she’s dealt with the fear.
“You know I think the pride overreaches the fear because you cannot be in fear every day. You pray for the best and support. Again, my pride is so much bigger than any fear I may have,” Peak answered.
Prior to Tuesday, Peak and Blanco had never met. They were part of a group of over 40 volunteers putting up the ribbons. Besides Elk Grove Boulevard you can find the ribbons on Laguna Boulevard and Sheldon Road.
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WATCH MORE: Officer O'Sullivan press conference