Our Design
Design fly thru: daytime
Design fly thru: Nighttime
Lion
A prominent feature of the memorial will be a large powerful lion perched directly centered between the names of the fallen engraved on the Wall of Honor. The lion will be facing east towards a rising sun, symbolizing a brighter tomorrow, because of the sacrifice made for all of us today. The lion also symbolizes the protective role of law enforcement officers and helps to convey the strength, courage and valor that are hallmarks of those who serve and protect. “The wicked flee when no man pursueth but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1
Eternal Flame
Throughout antiquity the eternal flame has been incorporated into many cultures and religions. Flames, lamps, and torches are all familiar features signifying remembrances and purification. They are widely accepted as a symbol of eternal life. Our eternal flame symbolizes our perpetual gratitude towards, and remembrance of, the sacrifices paid by those who are inscribed on the wall.
Moving Water
The Memorial will have a slow trickle of water rolling over the names of the fallen, and a substantial waterfall behind the lion. The water will then collect into a catch basin at the bottom, which surrounds the entire Memorial. This basin will create an atmosphere of reflection by mirroring the world around it. The Eastern Basin is meant to represent the Kings River, and the Western Basin the San Joaquin River. The moving water itself will signify regeneration and cleansing.
The moving water summons contemplation and intrinsically promotes reflection upon the sacrifice of those inscribed.
It charges the visitor with a sense of duty to live their life in a way that pays tribute to so great a sacrifice.
Cenotaph
A cenotaph is an empty tomb or monument erected in honor of those who are inscribed on the wall, but whose remains are located elsewhere. It is the symbolic resting place of the fallen and an area where we can pay tribute to their memory. The lion will sit perched atop this cenotaph to guard and protect those who have fallen.
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.
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.
Bollards
Although bollards will serve a practical purpose to light-up the Memorial
for visitors, the bollards are deeply rooted in symbolism. Historically
speaking, bollards served as posts or pillars built along the edge of a wharf so that sailors had something to tie their mooring lines around. The 6 bollards at the front 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 of light signified in the Sheriff’s Star. Just as these anchoring points were used to moor ships, these bollards will serve to anchor the visitor to the permanent understanding that those who have fallen, did so in an effort to manifest these values.
