Law enforcement officers in dress uniforms and Modesto residents gathered for the funeral of Stanislaus County Sheriff's Deputy Dennis Wallace. Wallace was shot and killed Nov. 13 while investigating a stolen car near Hughson.
On 12th Street in downtown Modesto, retired CHP officer Howard Bell is on his way to meet friends before walking over to Cross Point Church for Sheriff's Deputy Dennis Wallace's funeral.
Bell says his heart goes out to Wallace's mother and siblings. He knows them. Bell and Dennis Wallace's late father both served on the CHP.
Bell says while he's seen gun violence against law enforcement in his career but it feels like it's getting worse. He points to what he sees as problems with the criminal justice system.
"Gun violence is prevalent I think because of the weakness of our court system and the laws that we have to protect citizens," says Bell.
Wallace Funeral Reactions
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A little while later a line of squad cars and county sheriff vehicles from all over the region drove with their lights blinking toward CrossPoint Church for the service.
Cathy DeLaMare watched the honor guard assemble outside the church.
"Just an outpouring, a complete outpouring of our whole community coming together to honor this special man," says DeLaMare.
Asked what she thought could be done to stop police killings...
"I believe that most of them are not out here to hurt us. They are here to protect us. And if they're in a situation where they need to talk to you, pull you over, you ought to comply with them and just do the right thing."
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page 11 police officers died in the line of duty this year in California.
California Governor Jerry Brown and law enforcement officers from around the country are expected to attend a memorial service Tuesday morning for the Stanislaus County Sheriff's deputy who was fatally shot near Modesto earlier this month.
The event for Deputy Dennis Wallace is scheduled for 11 a.m.
Wallace was killed on Nov. 13 after calling-in a suspicious van at Fox Grove Park.
The suspect was later arrested.
Tuesday's services will take place at Modesto's CrossPoint Community Church on 12th Street.
-Capital Public Radio Staff
Officers line the streets outside CrossPoint church before funeral service. Hundreds of law enforcement from all over California came to pay their respects. Julia Mitric / Capital Public Radio
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