By Kimberly Sherman

The recent death of Tulare County Sheriff Sergeant Greg Hernandez sparked embers in the lives of Joseph and Christopher Landin and Matthew Conley.

Hernandez was a twenty four-year veteran of the department. He was hired in 1984, only a year before Joseph Landin and Monty Conley were killed.

On January 29, 2009, Hernandez was rolling to back up a fellow deputy, heading southbound on Road 120 when he stopped at Road 400. When he entered the intersection, it was already occupied by a big rig carrying crates of oranges. He was fatally injured and succumbed eight days later.
Hernandez worked in the custody, patrol, and narcotics units of the department and also served as a hostage negotiator.
Christopher Landin said, “He died loving what he did, and he didn’t want people to mourn him. I know what the family is feeling because they are the ones having to deal with the loss. I know how his daughter is going to feel on that birthday or prom. It’s tough.”

In honor of their fallen fathers and in remembrance of the recent deaths suffered by the Tulare County Sheriff Department, including both Sergeant Hernandez and Officer Kent Hawes, both Landin brothers and Matthew Conley were invited to be a part of National Peace Officer’s Memorial Week in Washington D.C., May 10 through 16.

Concerns Of Police Survivors recently began receiving additional funding through optional dues paid to the program by members of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Association. In appreciation for that service, the COPS program decided to send a few officers to the National Peace Officer’s Memorial. The Deputy Sheriff’s Association chose both the Landin brothers and Matthew Conley as exemplary choices for the emotionally charged event.

Neither the Landin family nor Matthew Conley have visited the remembrance site of their fallen fathers, and are thrilled to be a part of the ceremonies. Joseph Landin said, “I’d like to take a picture next to the memorial of my dad.”

For more information, visit: nleomf.com/NPW2009/index.html