There were 25 killed in the Metrolink train accident. One of them was a dedicated seven-year veteran from the Los Angeles Police Department. Officer Spree DeSha, 35, was onboard the Metrolink train when it plowed into the Union Pacific freighter train. She was in uniform at the time, as uniformed police officers are allowed to ride the rail for free with the assumption they will assist in any emergency situation.
DeSha’s funeral service was this past Thursday. Because she was in uniform, she has been recognized as an officer that was killed in the line of duty.
Her service was attended by friends and family and hundreds of uniformed officers.
Police officers and rescue personnel salute as the body of a Los Angeles Police Department officer, Spree DeSha, 35, is removed late Friday from the wreckage of a Metrolink commuter train.
A bugler played “taps” at DeSha’s service and her life partner, Officer Laura Gerritsen, stood up and saluted.
The three-hour funeral ceremony included riderless horses, which is a tradition at funerals of officers who died while on duty.
DeSha’s cap and badge were displayed. Her badge was bent almost in half as a result of the crash.
Image Courtesy: LA Times
Many spoke at her funeral including Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa who said “Every life is precious in the eyes of God, but the loss of a police officer touches a particular nerve way deep down in our souls. And it hurts.” It was a beautiful ceremony where family members released white doves into the blue sky.
The Metrolink Train Accident on Friday September 12, 2008 was one of the worst in US history.
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