By David Courtland and Carlos García

Oxnard Police Department’s 27th Annual Memorial Ceremony for fallen officers was held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in front of the police station at 251 South C Street.

“The officers whose names we speak today gave everything, and we come this this year and will come next year because a debt like that cannot be repaid,” said Oxnard Chief of Police Jason Benites, noting that nationally 115 officers have been killed in the line of duty in the past year. Three hundred and forty-seven more have been injured by gunfire while on the job, Benites said.


The event was attended by Mayor Luis MacArthur, himself a former police officer, City Councilmember Gabriela Rodriguez, Aaron Starr and City Councilmember Bert Perello among other officials and the families of police officers.

The ceremony featured a procession of officers and bagpipers, posting of colors by an honor guard, and Paul Carganilla performed the national anthem.

Rabbi Dov Muchnik, a chaplain with the police department, performed the invocation before Benites spoke.


“There are only two left who worked with (fallen police officer) Jim Jensen,” noted Benites. “Jim was one of the very first I met, his pride in his department was such that it influenced my decision to join the department.”

Benites noted a street sign dedicated to Jensen continues to be decorated regularly.

Assistant Police Chief Denise Morehouse and Sergeant Paul Cumming performed the roll call of fallen officers and the honor guard presented a memorial wreath before a performance by bagpipers Mike Reynolds and Alexandria Adair.

Benites, who said he likes to explain the costumes and ceremonies associated with the event, noted that bagpipes have been associated with police ceremonies since bagpipe playing immigrants began joined police departments in the 19th Century.


The Oxnard police officers honored at Wednesday’s ceremony included:

Deputy Constable Andrew McNaughton was found murdered at about what is now 7th and A streets. End of watch March 23, 1906.

Constable William E. Kelley was shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant. End of watch August 20, 1921.

Officer Albert Gasperetti was struck by a speeding car while doing traffic control. End of watch April 15, 1956.

Officer Frederick John Clark was shot and killed while answering a domestic disturbance call. End of watch Oct. 12, 1971.

Senior Officer John Adair was shot and killed while answering a domestic dispute call. End of watch Oct. 7, 1980.

Officer Jim O’Brien was shot and killed by a gunman causing a disturbance at was then the Employment Development Department office at C Street and Gonzales Road. End of watch Dec. 2, 1993.

Officer James R. Jensen was killed while serving a high-risk arrest warrant. End of watch March 13, 1996.