JUSTIN REED, son of Officer Donald Reed (Orange County Tribune photos).

By Jim Tortolano/Orange County Tribune

Just a few dozen yards from the construction site of a new police facility that will be the future, the Garden Grove Police Department on Thursday held its 37th “Call to Duty” event that memorialized the history and sacrifice of its past at its present location on Acacia Parkway.

Among all the ceremonial aspects – bagpipes, 21-gun salute, singing of the National Anthem and “America the Beautiful” – there was a recurring theme of selflessness and fidelity to duty.

Also sacrificing were the families of the six GGPD officers who gave their lives in the course of duty.

Representing those wives, children and other family members was Justin Reed, the son of Officer Donald Reed, fatally shot on June 7, 1980.

NICHOLSON PIPES and Drums were part of the ceremonies.

“There isn’t a single day or week that I don’t think of my dad,” said Reed. “Growing up knowing that my dad had been murdered was always in the forefront of my mind. As the years went by I had the overwhelming feeling of feeling separate, distant and alone. “It was very hard hearing those stories about my dad and seeing the pain my family was living with.”

His feeling of alienation took him down a “path of rebellion,” but he eventually reached the conclusion that “if  I kept on that path … it would mean that coward’s [the man who shot Donald Reed] act would mean my father’s death was in vain.

“People like me can find a way past their losses and pain,” said Reed. “I like to think that the way we live our lives today is a memorial to what we have overcome.”

The other fallen officers honored were:

• Sgt. Myron Trapp, fatally shot on Oct. 5, 1959
• Officer Andy Reese, fatally injured by a motorist on May 30, 1970.
• Officer Michael Rainford, fatally injured by a drunk driver on Nov. 7, 1980.
• Master Officer Howard Dallies, Jr.. fatally shot by a motorcyclist at a traffic stop.
• Lt. John Reynolds, died from COVID-19 contracted in the line of duty.

In addition to Reed’s remarks, Police Chief Amir El-Farra spoke and Marine 1st Sgt. James Haslip – NJROTC instructor at Pacifica High School – recited the patriotic oration, “My Name is Olde Glory.”