We want to thank Lt. Jon Sieberg from High Desert State Prison (HDSP) for providing this update on fallen officer Richard Bianchi.

High Desert State Prison (HDSP) staff honored fallen Correctional Officer Richard Bianchi during National Police Week in Washington, D.C.

Escorting Bianchi’s family to the National Peace Officers Memorial Service were:

• Associate Warden A. Lane
• Capt. G. Crowe
• Sgt. M. Davis
• and Correctional Officer G. Steelman

Officer Bianchi passed away while on duty in June 2020. His name was placed on the National Fallen Peace Officer Wall, the first California Correctional Peace Officer to be added.

Each year in May, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund presents its annual Candlelight Vigil, a signature event of National Police Week in Washington, D.C.

During the vigil at National Mall Memorial Park, the newest names engraved on the wall are formally dedicated.

The vigil includes the candle lighting, reading of names and remarks by dignitaries. There were also musical tributes performed to honor the memory of the fallen officers.

The National Peace Officers Memorial Service, sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police and its Auxiliary, was held May 15, honoring officers listed on the 2023 Roll Call of Heroes.

HDSP staff, along with the Bianchi family, worked with national law enforcement agencies for the memorial.

Officer G. Steelman, a friend of Bianchi and his family, helped stencil his name on paper for the family.

“HDSP would like to thank the Correctional Peace Officer Foundation, helping our staff and the family during this process,” according to a statement issued by the prison.

By Lt. Jon Sieberg