A Tragic Loss :

September 5, 1997 life was good, I was enjoying my work and I also knew that my two sons loved what they were involved in. My oldest son was working as a deputy for Fresno County Sheriff's Department. My youngest son was on his way to becoming a deputy, finishing up his degree and preparing for the police academy. My daughter was a stay at home mom and working towards getting her teaching credentials.

September 8, 1997 all that changed. We received a knock on our door at 1:00 am by a Reedley Police Officer and a Deputy from the Fresno County Sheriff's Department. They informed us that Deputy Jeff Isaac was involved in an auto accident and was being air lifted to UMC. After all that was done by the doctors my son died at 5:00 am. My life and my family's live's changed forever. Because of how it impacted me, I became very involved in COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors).

I know how devastating it is for survivors who have had to deal with a loss of a loved one, Killed in the Line of Duty. It is important for the survivors to attend the local, state and national memorials so they can experience the honor and tribute being paid to their loved one. This annual Memorial Run gives us the opportunity to raise money, so we can assist surviving families financially, allowing them to attend all memorials and the National COPS Hands On programs.

Leon Isaac
Central Cal COPS Chapter, Director