Story by Jacqueline Tualla
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. -- Multiple agencies assisted the Santa Cruz Police Department patrolling the city as its officers laid to rest two of its finest officers on Thursday.
A memorial was held for Sgt. Butch Baker and Detective Elizabeth Butler at HP Pavilion in San Jose.
The Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office, UC Santa Cruz Police, California Highway Patrol, the Monterey County Gang Task Force, and Salinas Police helped secure the streets of Santa Cruz.
"If it were our department and officers were killed, Santa Cruz Police Department would do the same thing," said Deputy April Skalland of the Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office.
Deputy Skalland said it's that close bond in a tight-knit community that keeps them all grounded. So, when Santa Cruz Police needed backup on the streets to pay tribute to the officers, her department willingly stepped up.
"I can't even tell you how many people just showed up to work. We didn't even call them to come in, but they just showed up, because that's just what they do. Those are your friends. Those are your family," she said.
Officers helped patrol memorials held locally at the Kaiser Permanente Arena and the Del Mar Theater downtown.
"We understand how difficult it is for the police officers that work here and work with the officers who were murdered, so it was important for us to help them out, so they can go to the funeral," said Sgt. Gerry Ross of the Salinas Police Department.
He said even if that meant taking some of their traffic patrol units off of their own streets.
"The city isn't really paying overtime, but they're just losing that service that would've been in Salinas today," he said.
While Santa Cruz Police paid their respects to Sgt. Baker and Detective Butler in San Jose, they couldn't be more moved by the love they received back at home.
"We're so grateful for the support of the Sheriff's Office and the Highway Patrol. They're covering our streets today, so the Santa Cruz Police Department could be out at the memorial today," said Deputy Chief Steve Clark of Santa Cruz Police.
Deputy Chief Clark urged the community to continue showing their support and never forget the legacy the two foficers left behind.
