On Thursday, BPD, KCSO, and CHP held individual memorial ceremonies before law enforcement agencies from all over Kern County came together to honor those who have died in the line of duty.
- Erik Nelson tells 23ABC, as he remembers his brother, Bakersfield Police Officer David Nelson, who died in the line of duty, that all his brother wanted to do was make a difference in his community.
- KCSO Honor Guard Sergeant Dustin Contreras took time to remember Deputy Phillip Campas, a member of the KCSO SWAT and Honor Guard, noting his legacy continues to inspire current officers.
- In talking with various agencies across Kern County throughout the day, nearly all noted they’re thankful that the community at large appreciates them and the work that they do.
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:On what many would consider a normal Thursday, law enforcement officers tab it as a solemn one. I’m Sam Hoyle, your neighborhood reporter. Law enforcement agencies all over Kern County honored fallen members of their departments before convening together.
The morning started with the Bakersfield Police Department at 7 am, taking time to honor members of their department who were killed in the line of duty. In 2015, Bakersfield Police Officer David Nelson was involved in a vehicle crash while pursuing a vehicle. Officers were able to pull him from the crash, however, Nelson died a short time later. Nelson’s older brother Erik said his brother just wanted to make a difference in his community.
“He was always there for, like, the kids in the community. Like I said, the example, I know that he stopped and took time out of his day to make a difference and to, like, show a positive reflection of a police officer was.”…