President Barack Obama praised four slain Oakland police officers last week as heroic figures who risked their lives and asked "little in return."
Oakland police chaplain Jayson Landeza read the president's letter of condolence at Friday's memorial service for the officers, who were gunned down by a 26-year-old parolee. SWAT officers killed the gunman.
The letter reads:
I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of Sgt. Mark Dunakin, Officer John Hege, Sgt. Ervin Romans, and Sgt. Daniel Sakai. Michelle and I hold their families and your community in our thoughts and prayers.
Our Nation is grateful for the men and women of law enforcement who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our citizens and our neighborhoods. They risk their lives each day on our behalf and ask little in return. And although the danger of their work is well known, words still fail to explain the senseless violence that claims so many of them.
Sgt. Dunakin, Officer Hege, Sgt. Romans and Sgt. Sakai were taken from us far too soon, and their loss reminds us that the work to which they dedicated their lives remains undone.
As we honor their memories, I hope each of you will take comfort in knowing that their commitment to their fellow man will never be forgotten. We will always carry them in our hearts, and their legacy of service will inspire us as we work together toward a better Oakland, a better world.
Michelle and I offer our heartfelt sympathy. May their sacrifices be rewarded with eternal peace.
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