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A Sacrifice Never Forgotten
by Nichol Gomez, CCPOA Communications Division, West Sacramento
 On May 20, 1988, Group Supervisor Leslie Macarro was killed in the line of duty when he was struck by a speeding automobile while pursuing an escapee. California's Heman G. Stark Youth Correctional Facility wanted to make sure his dedication and ultimate sacrifice in the name of public safety would never be forgotten, so they commemorated the 20th anniversary of his death with a new monument at the facility.
The first peace officer from HGSYCF to be killed in the line of duty, Officer Macarro had a profound effect on his colleagues, family and friends. And because of the generous efforts of many correctional organizations, such as CCPOA's YTS Chapter, Retired Chapter and Youth Paroles Chapter, the California Peace Officers Foundation, the Mexican-American Correctional Association/Chino Valley Chapter, and the Over The Hill Breakfast Club at YTS, a beautiful marble monument was erected on the grounds, and unveiled at a ceremony attended by hundreds of people, including Macarro's family, friends, and coworkers.
 Even after 20 years, coworkers remembered Officer Macarro as a humble guy with an uncompromising, unwavering optimism. Mark Macarro, one of his five children, admired his father's dedication.
"Day in and day out, he worked hard and it made him tired. You could see the sacrifice, his dedication, and, looking back, it is something to model, something to look up to," Mark told the crowd.
"This is tangible proof that what my dad did mattered to a lot of people," he continued. "Those of you who wear a badge, that badge symbolizes your willingness to sacrifice. We would like to thank you for your willingness and dedication."
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