Slain Deputy’s Family Joins D.C. Memorial

The family of slain Ventura County sheriff’s deputy Peter John Aguirre Jr. was in Washington Thursday for a candlelight vigil to honor the nation’s 116 law enforcement officers who died in 1996.

Oxnard Police Officer James Rex Jensen Jr., who was accidentally shot March 13, 1996, during a botched drug raid, was also honored during the ceremony.

The evening vigil was part of a ceremony for National Police Week, which was kicked off Monday by U.S. Atty. Gen. Janet Reno.

Aguirre’s widow, Dina, his parents and several other family members were accompanied by Under Sheriff Richard Bryce, said Capt. Mark Ball, a department spokesman.

“They will be reading from a list of fallen heroes whose names will be included on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall,” Ball said.

Last month, the Peace Officers Assn. of Ventura County decided not to award Aguirre a Medal of Valor for his actions July 17, 1996, when he was shot and killed in Meiners Oaks while responding to a domestic disturbance call. Instead, the association board decided to give Aguirre a newly created Distinguished Service Award.

The association was roundly criticized by Sheriff Larry Carpenter and members of Aguirre’s family, who returned the award that was given to them in the slain deputy’s name.

In response, the association offered its “heartfelt apology” to the family, explaining that the decision was not meant to be a slight to the deputy’s sacrifice.

Late last month, Carpenter awarded Aguirre the Sheriff’s Star of Valor for his courage. Carpenter created the new medal to honor Aguirre.

Officials with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund said that fewer officers died in the line of duty than the year before but that law enforcement continues to be the nation’s most dangerous profession.

In California, 15 officers were killed in the line of duty last year, officials said.