Protect and Serve Night Honors San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Heroes by Breeanna Jent, Staff Writer & - City News Group, Inc.

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Protect and Serve Night Honors San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Heroes

By Breeanna Jent, Staff Writer &
Kimberly Cooper, Community Writer
07/26/2013 at 08:25 AM

The San Manuel Stadium was packed last Saturday evening as the community came together to honor two heroic officers. San Bernardino County detective Jeremiah MacKay and sheriff’s deputy Alex Collins and their families were honored during the Inland Empire 66ers Protect and Serve Night event. Detective MacKay was killed in the line of duty while involved in a shootout this past February when ex-Los Angeles cop Christopher Dorner terrorized the Inland Empire area. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Alex Collins was seriously injured in the shootout. The outpouring of support for the fallen heroes and their families was further exemplified by 66ers teammates themselves, who each wore a special jersey displaying the names of Detective MacKay and Deputy Collins printed on the left sleeves to honor the men. Half the proceeds of each ticket were donated to the families of Det. MacKay and Deputy Collins. Fans chanted “Take me out to the ball game!” as they snacked on kettle popcorn during the game between the IE 66ers and the Lake Elsinore Storm, while 66ers mascot Bernie danced, hugged and greeted fans. Tramayne Phillips and Sean Harden targeted plastic cups with Nerf toys and two San Bernardino County Police Department and Riverside County Police Department sheriffs competed with each other in a doughnut-eating contest that night. Inland Empire 66ers Assistant General Manager Ryan English said, “It is a great thing when the community comes together, especially when all the different sheriff departments from across southern California, as well as our fans and other sponsors come to support a great cause.” Community support has poured out for these families since the tragedies that took place in February at the hands of Dorner. Recently, mountain residents celebrated the opening of a two-acre park dedicated to Det. MacKay located in Lake Arrowhead on a plateau off Highway 173 above Papoose Lake. The park features a playground, picnic area, shelter, walking paths and a viewing deck. Additionally, Deputy Collins was honored as the Grand Marshal of the Big Bear Heritage Parade, which took place June 15.