FRESNO, CA (KMJ) The family of Fresno Co. Sheriff’s Sergeant Rod Lucas met President Trump and VP Mike Pence Monday in Washington DC.
The Lucas’s, and Sheriff Margaret Mims, were attending services marking National Peace Officers Memorial Day.
Sgt. Lucas was killed in October 2016 when he was struck by a bullet accidentally fired from a colleague’s sidearm. Lucas, a 20 year veteran of the department, was 46.
Trump and Pence spoke at the service held at the U.S. Capitol building to honor the 118 officers who died in the line of duty last year.
Sgt. Lucas’ name is now engraved in the granite wall of the National Law Enforcement Memorial.
“Its very somber but again it’s very important that we remember their sacrifice.” – Sheriff Margaret Mims.
Sheriff Margaret Mims had the honor of escorting Rod’s wife, Jami, during the ceremony attended by his children, parents, colleagues and friends. They were given the opportunity to place a flower in a wreath honoring their fallen officer.
After the ceremony both President Trump and Vice President Pence met with two of Sgt. Lucas’ kids, Elijah and Gianna.
President Trump can be seen in the photo holding Sgt. Lucas’ identification card.
Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) hosts the National Police Survivors’ Conference this week which includes guest speakers, debriefing sessions and a Kids/Teens program for the surviving children and siblings of the fallen officer.
Sheriff Mims spoke with KMJ News about the importance of the Lucas family attending the event put on by the C.O.P.S. organization.
“They will learn what resources are available to them, as they work their way through the loss. The mourning doesn’t stop right after an event – it lasts a lifetime and they need assistance, they need help, they need peer support, and that’s what we get when we go to Washington, all of that is provided by an organization provided by COPS.” – Sheriff Margaret Mims.
On May 16, conference closes with a Picnic on the Patio night where dinner is provided with games, music and more, allowing survivors – including the Lucas family – to relax and be with each other after a stressful week.
Click below to listen to the story by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
