Oct. 7, 2008 — In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Sheriff Deputy Larry Griffith, who died 12 years ago in the line of duty while responding to a domestic violence call, was remembered with a moment of silence. Retired and current Lassen County Sheriff Department employees, members of the Susanville Police Department, and Lassen Family Services workers gathered around the rock that was placed in front of the Lassen County Courthouse in 1995 to commemorate Griffith’s courageous service.

Griffith was fatally wounded while responding to a domestic violence call on March 2, 1995.

A wreath was placed on the commemorative rock, and Lassen Family Services Executive Director Darla Freeman led the group in a moment of silence for the fallen hero.

Freeman read an email from Griffith’s sister, Terry, who had recently sent her gratitude for the communities’ effort to remember.

“It means a lot that he has not been forgotten,” Terry wrote.

“Thank you for giving us these small moments.”

Freeman said she is privileged to be able to gather people together to remember and to honor the memory of Griffith.

“He was a courageous, selfless, wonderful member of society that we will never forget,” she said.

Lassen Family Services has been commemorating the memory of Deputy Griffith every October since 1995, said Freeman, in the hopes of raising consciousness for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“Domestic violence knows no boundaries, and affects us all, in one way or another,” she said.

Freeman said Lassen Family Services’ clients come from all economic statuses, and range in age from teenagers to 60 years old.

“And speaking for myself, I am a survivor of domestic violence,” said Freeman.

“I am proud to have come over to the other side to help those in need.”

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, California Law Enforcement responded to 176,299 domestic violence calls in 2006, said Freeman.

In 2007, the Susanville Police Department responded to 144 reports of domestic violence. Of those, 37 were felonies. In the same year, Lassen Family Services assisted 138 victims of domestic violence.

For information about how you can help raise awareness, or to report suspected domestic violence, call Lassen Family Services at 257-4599.