Park memorial in Old Foothill Farms unveiled for slain Sacramento Deputy Robert French

A monument to memorialize fallen Deputy Robert French’s service and sacrifice was revealed on Saturday at the new Cabana Park in Old Foothill Farms.

More than 100 people attended the park’s grand opening, on the 6200 block of Fremont Circle, where Sacramento County Supervisor Susan Peters, Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones and French’s family unveiled the monument. The park also includes open space, newly planted trees, a dog park and blue benches.

An inscription on the obelisk reads in part, “Heroes live forever.”

French, 52, was killed August 30, 2017, while responding to reports of shots fired at the Ramada Inn hotel on Auburn Boulevard and Fulton Avenue in Arden Arcade.

“Bob stood tall and was a pillar in this community, and now will have his own pillar to stand tall,” said Jones. “Not just for those of us who are here who remember that day 2 and half years ago, but more importantly for future generations, for our young people who won’t remember, and their children who will come to this park and enjoy it in peace, because of people like Bob French.”

The half-million dollar project for the park started in 2013, before French’s death. But as the plans were being finalized, Peters asked the park district to incorporate a memorial recognizing French.

“While taking part in that celebration, please don’t forget our ability to socialize and play in our parks without fear or harm of violence is made possible by those who serve in law enforcement,” Peters said.

French had a strong connection with the communities he served, including Foothill Farms, North Highlands and Arden Arcade.

At the time of his death, French was described by his supervisor as a cop’s cop. He was one of the longest-tenured patrol deputies in the station and perhaps the entire department. He spent 21 years on the force.

“It is a great reminder that he is not forgotten, and people will always remember what he did for the community and for the greater Sacramento area,” said Kaylen Bynoe, French’s daughter. “Just knowing that this is here not only for us, but for the community and other people to celebrate him or mourn him, however it is you want to remember him, please come here and do it.

“And just know that we are so thankful.”

French died a decade to the day his parents were killed in a plane crash in El Dorado County, according to previous Bee reporting.

The Sacramento Bee reported at the time French kept firing in a wild gun battle at the suspect, 32-year-old Thomas Daniel Littlecloud, even after a bullet hit his heart. Littlecloud later died as well. Littlecloud, 32, had a lengthy criminal history that includes charges of assaulting a peace officer, assault with a semiautomatic weapon and car theft. Littlecloud fired through the front door and walls of his hotel room towards officers, eventually striking French and injuring two CHP officers.

This story was originally published January 11, 2020 at 1:24 PM.