GALT, CA (MPG) - Law enforcement officials from Galt and neighboring agencies gathered outside City Hall Thursday, Jan. 15 alongside community members and the family of fallen Galt Police Officer Kevin Tonn for a wreath-laying ceremony.

Thirteen years ago, on Jan. 15, 2013, Tonn was shot and fatally wounded while responding to an emergency call reporting a burglary at an apartment complex off F Street. He was 35 and had served with the Galt Police Department for about three and a half years.

 

Pictured is the wreath placed Jan. 15 at the Officer Kevin Tonn Fallen Heroes Memorial at City Hall. The memorial honors Tonn and other local officers who died in the line of duty, including Sacramento County Animal Control Officer Roy Macrum and Galt Police Officer Harminder Grewal.

At Tonn’s memorial, honor guards presented a wreath as a bugle played “Taps” in tribute. Afterwards, Police Chief Brian Kalinowski noted that this year’s ceremony would be different in that Tonn’s parents were invited to the podium to share a few words,

Will and Mary Ann Tonn thanked the Galt community and the law enforcement officers in attendance, including police who had traveled from Lincoln, where they reside.

Mary Ann Tonn shared reflections on her son’s life, highlighting his character through stories and his dedication to service. She noted that Kevin had earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology just six months before his death.

 

Mary Ann Tonn, mother of Officer Kevin Tonn, accompanied by his father, Will, shares reflections on her son’s service and sacrifice at the annual ceremony honoring the fallen officer 13 years after his death. 

“Kevin’s last act of service is the reason why we are here today,” Mary Ann Tonn said. “I believe people are alive in Galt today because Kevin was murdered.”

“Being a police officer is a dangerous job, even more so today than 13 years ago,” she added. “A big thank you to all the men and women here today who put on the uniform every day and serve.” 

Following her remarks, Will Tonn encouraged law enforcement personnel present to ensure their departmental paperwork is properly in order to better support their loved ones in the event of a tragedy, drawing on his family’s experience.

A new street honoring Officer Kevin Tonn was dedicated along Carillion Boulevard at the Elliott Ranch residential development. The sign for Officer Tonn Parkway was unveiled before the Jan. 15 wreath-laying ceremony.