Two Fallen Officers Honored at Unveiling of Alameda Police Memorial

A memorial honoring two fallen officers of the Alameda Police Department was unveiled Tuesday morning.

Head sculptures of Officers Robert James Davey, Jr., and Deward Burton Gresham stand in front of the police administration building, along with a third sculpture of two fallen angels atop a stand that reads "Duty, Honor, Sacrifice."

The memorial, which includes a new flagpole, garden and seating area was made possible through private donations, and took 13 months of create, Interim Police Chief Paul Rolleri said.

According to Mayor Marie Gilmore, Rolleri was the "inspiration and burning drive" behind the memorial.

Davey was killed during a drug raid on March 3, 1983. He was face-to-face with one of the suspects who opened fire at him, according to the Alameda Police Officers Association.

During the incident Davey was able fire back at the suspect and acquire the firearm, according to the association.

Davey's wife Sue and their four children are expected attended the ceremony.

"The most important thing in any fallen officer's family is that their loved one not be forgotten," Sue said.

Deward was killed during a traffic violation on July 11, 1942. He was driving a police motorcycle pulling over a vehicle when another car crashed into him, according to the association.

Both men were 33-years-old when they died.

Though the city has also named two streets after the fallen officers, Rolleri said the sculptures serve as a more substantial reminder of the sacrifice these two officers have made.

"For any police officer who drives out of the courtyard to hit patrol, there's no way they can do that without walking by the sculptures," Rolleri said.

Bay City News contributed to this report.