LASD Explorers run to honor fallen officers

WHITTIER, Calif. - More than 100 Explorers from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Youth Academy joined approximately 300 law enforcement officers from local, state and federal agencies Saturday morning for a "Colors Run'' to honor two fallen police officers.

The run started at Murphy Ranch Elementary School in Whittier, at 7:30 a.m. and end at the Costco Wholesale warehouse parking lot at 101 North Beach Blvd. in La Habra.

"This run will be honoring two local officers killed in the line of duty; Whittier Police Officer Keith Boyer and La Habra Police Officer Michael Osornio,'' the LASD said in a statement. "This run serves as a reminder of their ultimate sacrifice to their communities. The fallen officers families will also be attending and participating in the event.''

Boyer died in February 2017 when he was allegedly gunned down by an ex-con who had been released from county jails less than two weeks earlier. The suspect has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.

Osornio was killed on Halloween night 1994 when a drunk driver ran a red light and struck his patrol car at approximately 60 mph at the intersection of La Habra and Beach boulevards. The suspect was convicted of vehicular manslaughter and sentenced to six years in prison.

"Colors Run'' promotes pride and unity among the recruits, and recognizes their efforts in the academy, the department said.

The LASD Explorer Academy is a youth mentoring program designed to instill leadership, responsibility and community service among young adults.