Bakersfield Police Officer David Nelson was laid to rest yesterday afternoon at Forest Lawn in Glendale. Nelson, 26, a 2007 Burbank High School graduate and former Burbank Police Cadet, was a two-year veteran of the Bakersfield Police Department.
Nelson died during the early morning hours on June 26 following an attempted traffic stop and subsequent pursuit in Bakersfield. According to BakersfieldNow.com, following reports of his death, more than 100 Bakersfield residents joined officers at a downtown Bakersfield station to grieve together and mourn the passing of the officer.
There was a memorial service at the Hall of Liberty at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, with a tribute given by California State Attorney General Honorable Kamala D. Harris. Following that service guests proceeded to Forest Lawn Glendale where interment took place.
Taps was played, a flyover took place and bagpipes bellowed “Amazing Grace.” Los Angeles Police assisted traffic officers with a Mounted Officer leading the riderless horse.
Nelson’s family resides in Burbank along with many high school friends who attended the funeral.
Burbank Police assisted Bakersfield Police along with Kern County officers with many aspects of the funeral, including motor officers, honor guards, and a Taps player.
A Facebook page remembering Officer Nelson has been started and has more than 2,200 likes with many tributes: https://www.facebook.com/rememberingdavidnelson?fref=ts
Donations in memory of Officer Nelson can be made at the Bakersfield City Employee Federal Credit Union, or via Paypal at www.bpoa.us.
Chief Photographer Ross A. Benson contributed to this story.
