On a June day in 1979, Reno Police Officer James Hoff stood bleeding near the Truckee River, four men wielding knives around him. Hoff came face to face with the men while on an undercover drug bust. After what his comrades said was a valiant struggle, Hoff died from loss of blood.

Almost 30 years later, friends and family fallen peace officers from across northern Nevada gathered Friday at the Hoff memorial at Idlewild Park to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2007.

“I’m proud to be with you today to pay honor to the men and women who pay the price day after day so that we can pursue life, liberty and happiness,” Supreme Court Justice Michael Douglas said from the podium.

Officer Adam Menuez, from the Fallon-Paiute-Shoshone Tribal Police Department, and Nevada State Trooper Kara Kara Kelly-Borgognone were enshrined at the memorial Friday, their names being placed alongside other peace officers who died in the line of duty.

Officer Menuez was killed in a car accident on July 4, 2007, while responding to a call on the Stillwater Indian reservation.

“He was only a part of the team for five months,” Rochanne Downs said as she presented his name. “We thank his family and creator that we were able to have him as a part of our family and our tribe.”

Nevada Highway Patrol Chief Chris Perry introduced Kelly-Borgognone to the audience with a short story about the police officers memorial run, which he completed with Kelly-Borgognone’s brother, who also works for the Nevada Highway Patrol.

“Just the short distance that we ran was filled with pride,” Perry said. “It is evident where (Kelly-Borgognone) got her strength. She will pass that on to her daughters.”

The memorial services continued with the presentation of survivor plaques, given to officers who had shown courage and composure under life-threatening situations. Kelly-Borgognone received the award in 2006.

“Who would have thought (back then) that today we would be enshrining her?” Perry said.

In addition to honoring those who have died, the memorial recognized those who have been in life-threatening situations while on duty.

Officers Thomas Alaksa, Sean Jones, Joe Lever and Alan Weaver from the Reno Police Department were given the survivors award.

“The best thing people can do (to pay tribute to fallen officers) is pay attention to current events in their community,” Reno Police Department Deputy Police Chief Jim Johns said. “If they get the chance some time in the next week, take a moment to come by the memorial for a moment of reflection.”

The service, which is now in its 21st year, is held every May. The ceremony included a 21-gun salute, bagpipe music tribute and the release of a flock of doves following placement of a memorial wreath.

The James D. Hoff Peace Officer Memorial was dedicated on October 22, 1988 in memory of Reno Police Officer James Duane Hoff, who died in the line of duty on June 25, 1979. Hoff was serving as an undercover narcotics officer and was abducted during an undercover narcotics transaction in Idlewild Park a short distance from the location of the memorial that bears his name. His body was later found partially burned under rocks in a culvert near the Dog Valley Road summit northwest of Verdi. Three suspects were convicted of his murder. One was sentenced to death and two received life sentences.