Fresno County unveils new Fresno Sheriff’s Memorial

A total of 21 star badges are mounted on the waterfall wall, representing 21 people killed in the line of duty.

“It’s about remembrance and it’s about honor,” retired Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims said.

Local leaders spoke and family members paid tribute during the ceremony. One of those families was that of correctional officer Toamalama Scanlan.

“Today means a lot to us. It’s just a way to remember and honor my beloved husband,” Toamalama’s wife, Tepatasi Scanlan, said.

She laid flowers at the memorial for her husband, as his name now sits permanently mounted next to his brothers’.

“10.12.2021,” Scanlan said, reflecting on the day her husband died. “He was shot at the lobby of the Fresno County Jail.”

Her daughters and niece honored Toamalama with a Polynesian cultural dedication dance.

Theirs were not the only glossy eyes in the crowd, though.

Mims is all too familiar with the names on the wall.

“Ten of those on the wall occurred during my law enforcement career,” Mims said. “Every single sheriff that’s lost someone made that promise to never forget. So we had an opportunity to make that promise physical, and this is the physical manifestation of that promise.”

Scanlan says the wall is a beautiful tribute, but she leans on something much sturdier.

“We have faith and that’s what keeps us going,” Scanlan said. “I’m at peace knowing that I will see him again.”

She hopes when others visit the wall, they feel the same peace – knowing officers like her husband are protecting them.