The Cortes Fire Department was proud to have one of our members attend a somber procession in the Central Valley of California, on Friday as a tribute to Corporal Ronil Singh, who was killed in the line of duty as he made a suspected DUI stop in Newman, south of Modesto.
He recounts :
“This was one of those times that I had a very strong feeling that I needed to go and pay my respects. Perhaps it was the picture taken a few hours before he died. You know the one, the Christmas picture with his wife and young son and K9 partner.
I flew into Sacramento Airport Friday afternoon and took a rental car and drove to Modesto. I arrived at 0830hrs. The service was scheduled to start at 1000hrs.
There was seating for 2,800 at the main venue and two overflow buildings. The service was sad, funny and moving. Corporal Singh’s large family was there. About 3,000 uniformed personnel attended. and another 1000 members of the public. After the service, there was a procession with over 500 police vehicles through town. Many people stood in the rain to honour Corporal Singh. Some had signs and flags. I was glad to be able to attend and show support to the family and law enforcement community.”
Dan Pippin
Fire Chief Emeritus
Cortes Island Fire Rescue
