City of Cerritos to Dedicate Public Safety Memorial

February 13, 2025

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CERRITOS, CA – February 13, 2025 – The City of Cerritos will honor first responders with an unveiling of three bronze sculptures, an honorary memorial, and a 9/11 monument placed in a new public gathering space. The Tribute to Public Safety will be dedicated on Wednesday, February 26.

Community members are invited to join in recognizing the contributions of public safety officials from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. outside the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station/Community Safety Center. The dedication will feature music, a moment of silence, and comments from members of the City Council and dignitaries.

“The City of Cerritos is excited to unveil a memorial that will help us to reflect, celebrate, and never forget the sacrifices of those who have sworn to protect us,” said City of Cerritos Mayor Naresh Solanki. “From the recent response to wildfires in our nearby communities to the daily patrols of our neighborhoods, we are grateful for the services of our first responders locally and beyond.”

The City partnered with artist Gary Alsum and the National Sculptors’ Guild for the memorial’s design and installation, with inspiration provided by the City’s Fine Arts and Historical Commission.

The Tribute to Public Safety memorial features three bronze sculptures; a firefighter performing a rescue, a deputy sheriff, and a sheriff’s K-9 unit. An honorary granite memorial pillar will recognize the late Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Detective Donald William Schneider and Detective Sergeant Carl Eugene Wilson, who died serving in Cerritos in 1973. A granite monument will also be unveiled to honor those who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001 attacks, which will rest among a newly planted group of trees.

“Cerritos is honored to join with our community to recognize the commitment of our public safety officials,” said Cerritos City Manager Robert A. Lopez. “We are proud to offer this memorial as a symbol of their bravery in the face of danger and to maintaining a safe environment in which to live.”

The Cerritos Sheriff’s Station/Community Safety Center is located at the Cerritos Civic Center, 18135 Bloomfield Avenue. Parking is available on site. In the event of inclement weather, the dedication will take place inside the Cerritos City Council Chamber, located adjacent to the Sheriff’s Station.