Our Design
Design fly thru: day
Design fly thru: Night
The Lion: the guardian of the fallen
A Lion stands at the heart of the Memorial, perched between the names on the Wall of Honor and overlooking the visitors who come to pay their respects. Its presence serves as a powerful symbol of courage, protection, and vigilance over all who enter.
At the center, the Cenotaph serves as a symbolic resting place for those whose names are inscribed on the wall, but whose remains lie elsewhere. The Lion atop the Cenotaph presses one paw against the monument in a silent prayer that no more names be added, honoring those who gave their all in service. “The wicked flee when no man pursueth but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1
THE Eternal FlamE: A LIGHT THAT NEVER FADES
Throughout history and across cultures, the Eternal Flame symbolized remembrance, purity, and everlasting life. Fire has long been used to honor the fallen and preserve their memory from ancient torches to sacred lamps. At the heart of the Memorial, the Eternal Flame burns as a lasting tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It embodies our unwavering gratitude and ensures that their legacy will never be extinguished. Constant, resilient, and unyielding, the flame mirrors the memory of those whose names are etched upon the wall. As long as it burns, the honor, sacrifice, and spirit of the fallen endure.
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the rivers of RENEWAL: A TRIBUTE IN MOVING WATER
Water has long symbolized renewal, reflection, and remembrance. At the Memorial, its gentle and continuous movement serves as a living tribute to the fallen, reminding visitors that their legacy endures. The Eastern and Southern Basins represent the Kings River, while the Northern and Western Basins symbolize the San Joaquin River--two life-giving waterways that shape Fresno County. Just as these rivers carve and sustain the land, those who served have shaped and protected the community. Flowing evenly across the black granite, the water cascades behind the names of the fallen, reflect the enduring nature of their sacrifice. Behind the Lion, a waterfall descends into a surrounding catch basin, its stillness creating a space for contemplation and remembrance. Flowing water cleanses, restores and carries forward all that came before. Standing before the Memorial, visitors are invited to honor the Fallen, uphold their legacy, and live with purpose.
THE Cenotaph
The Cenotaph incorporates the concept of an emerging stone, a historic method of carving in which part of a granite block is fully sculpted while the remainder remains in its natural, "undressed" state. Traditionally used in late 19th- and early 20th-century monuments, emerging stones powerfully symbolize lives cut short. The unfinished edge is intentional, emphasizing that these heroes' lives were taken too soon--there was no time to fully prepare, no chance to complete what they had begun. It stands as poignant reminder of the abruptness of loss and the incompleteness left behind.
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Bronze Badge
and Black Swath
Inlayed into the concrete preceding the Memorial will be an oversized bronze Sheriff’s Office Badge with a black swath permanently draped across it. The wearing of a black swath by law enforcement is steeped in tradition. It is known as a “mourning band” for a fallen law enforcement officer in service to their community. It is often worn from the moment of the death until the sunset on the day of internment. It is an outward symbol of the internal mourning those who wear the badge endure at the loss of a brother or sister. Permanently affixed, the swath and badge will stand as a testament to the everlasting mourning the community endures at the loss of one of their valiant.
Memorial
Donor Garden
The donor appreciation area will be located on the west side of the memorial, within a Memorial Donor Garden. It is intentionally separated from the names of the fallen so as not to detract from them. It is mindfully incorporated though, to remind the visitor that the community supports law enforcement and appreciates the sacrifices made by the fallen on their behalf. It further serves to remind the survivors, the families, the friends, and the community that the service and sacrifice of the fallen has not gone ignored. Visitors will leave assured that others have not and will not forget so worthy a sacrifice.
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Wreath
Directly affixed to the cenotaph will be a dedicated area for a wreath at the base of the lion. The wreath has long symbolized the circle of life. Wreath laying ceremonies are a ritual offering of flowers to symbolize the beauty and brevity of life. They also serve as the primary dedication ritual at ceremonial events.
Mountain Range Boulders
Boulders on the east and west sides of the monument are a tribute to the unique geographic features of Fresno County. The names of the fallen will be engraved on slabs of black polished granite in between these grandiose features. On the west side of the monument will be boulders recovered from the Coastal Diablo Mountain Range. The east side of the monument will include granite boulders recovered from the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This will serve to highlight the unique geographic layout of Fresno County. The visitor will also have a forced perspective of the memorial to their north. The North has always represented permanency and a moment of serious contemplation. It is the constant direction upon which we orient ourselves. We hope the visitor leaves this perspective with a renewed sense of orientation and purpose.
Inscription
“In Valor There Is Hope” will be inscribed at the three entrances of the memorial. It will be predominantly positioned for all to see and acknowledge as they enter the Memorial Courtyard. This beautiful soliloquy is a translation of Roman Senator and historian Tacticus’ quote “Spes in virtute.”
The deeper meaning of these five simple words is that the valor demonstrated by the fallen gives us hope for a safe and civilized nation. It causes an introspection and challenges those who heed this call to live a more valiant life in hope of the greater good.
Pillars
Although Pillars will serve a practical purpose, they are deeply rooted in symbolism. Historically speaking, they served as posts built along the edge of a wharf so that sailors had something to tie their mooring lines around. The 6 bollards of the Memorial will be embossed with a Sheriff’s Office badge and adorned with one of the 6 values of the Sheriff’s Office: Professionalism, Accountability, Integrity, Trust, Commitment, and Service. They will represent not only our values, but also be the 6 points signified in the Sheriff’s Star. Just as these anchoring points were used to moor ships, these pillars will serve to anchor the visitor to the permanent understanding that those who have fallen, did so in an effort to manifest these values.
FSSA Design Committee
Lt. Robert Dutrow
Lt. Michael George
Sgt. Frank Harper
Sgt. Christian Lightner
Lt.. Preston Little
Sgt. Edward Mayo
Lt. Chad Stokes
Quiring General
Westech Systems, LLC
Jim Christian
Design by Broussard & Associates
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Terry Broussard, ASLS, Principal
Taylor Broussard, Project Manager
Location Site
1129 N. Armstrong Ave. Fresno, CA
The Fresno Sheriff Memorial will be built as an addition to the new Fresno County Sheriff Metro Substation. The substation is a monumental project of its own, which opened in Early 2024. The Substation is state of the art and provides the facilities necessary for first rate service to our community. This new building will be home to trainings, press conferences and community events that make it the premier location for our Memorial and Education Center.
