GALT, CA (MPG) - Galt Police Department held a wreath-laying ceremony on Aug. 26, marking the third anniversary of the death of Officer Harminder Grewal.

The remembrance at the Officer Kevin Tonn Fallen Heroes Memorial outside City Hall included remarks from Galt Mayor Paul Sandhu and Grewal’s sister, Navdeep Sidhu. Galt residents, police officers, Cosumnes firefighters and the Grewal family gathered to witness the proceedings. Also attending were family members of Officer Kevin Tonn, the first Galt Police officer to die in the line of duty.

Sidhu said her brother’s bravery and kindness remain a source of inspiration.

“Every day … he put on his uniform with unwavering dedication, knowing that his duty was as a servant to protect others,” Sidhu said. “Even at great personal risk, his commitment to justice and his courage in the face of danger were a reflection of his strong character and the deep sense of responsibility he felt toward his community.”

Sidhu remembered Grewal’s smile and readiness to help others and took comfort in knowing that “his memory and the impact he made will live forever.”

The second Galt Police officer to die in the line of duty, Grewal was gravely injured in a vehicle collision on Highway 99, as he and fellow officer Kapri Herrera were driving to assist with wildfire response. He died of his injuries several days later on Aug. 26, 2021. He was 27 years old.

Herrera, who suffered serious injuries in the crash, recently returned to full-time duty. She served on the honor guard that carried out the wreath-laying.

Galt Police Chief Brian Kalinowski paused to gather his thoughts before making his remarks.

“As you can see, the loss of an officer is a hell we walk through as an organization and a family,” Kalinowski said. Kalinowski said that he and the Grewal family would soon view the final rendering for a memorial bust in honor of Grewal. It will be installed in February outside Galt Police Department headquarters.

Speaking to the Herald, Sandhu voiced gratitude for the attendance of Cosumnes Fire Department and elected officials, including Galt City Council members and Sacramento County Supervisor Pat Hume.

Hume attended to keep Grewal’s memory alive.

“When you have a situation where someone gave their life for the service of their community, that needs to be honored. And there’s a saying that people are still remembered as long as their name is spoken, so it’s important that we continue to speak Harminder’s name, and recognize his sacrifice and his family’s sacrifice,” Hume said.

Speaking after the ceremony, Kalinowski said “there’s no sugar-coating” the grief that an officer’s death causes their colleagues. When he speaks at such events, “it takes all I can to hold it together” in order to support the family.

Herrera’s recovery is “incredible” for Kalinowski, who remarked on the many obstacles she overcame to return to duty.

“Kapri knew what she wanted and she fought to get what she wanted, and it was ultimately coming back to full duty and working with the organization. So I’m excited for Kapri, the future she has with the organization and everything she’s going to be able to contribute to us and the community,” Kalinowski said.

The police chief said remembrances for fallen police officers ensure that the community does not forget those officers’ sacrifices.

“When the Grewal family doesn’t have their son or brother with them today, we carry that pain and that burden with them,” Kalinowski said. “And so the fact that we could come here, see everybody, pay appropriate respect to Harminder, I think it’s part of the healing process.”