Pictured: the family of Altadena Sheriff Deputy Charlene "Charlie" Rottler honored her by running in the final leg of the Annual Memorial Peace Officer's Torch Relay Run. Pictured: back row, Los Angeles Fire Capt. RIchard RIvas, a family friend; and "Big Daddy" Alvarado. Front row: grandson Julian Conan Alvarado, daughter-in-law Norma Alvarado, daughter Los Angeles firefighter/paramedic Denise Rottler Alvarado, granddaughter Veronnica Alvarado, grandson Joshua Rottler, and son Greg Rottler.
The 24th annual Memorial Peace Officer's Torch Relay Run, which always ends at Altadena Station, was particularly poignant this year as the Altadena deputies remembered one of their own.
Charlene "Charlie" Rottler was one of the first female deputies at Altadena Station who suffered catastrophic injuries in a crash with a drunk driver in 1972. Her death on Jan. 3, 2010, was directly attributable to the injuries she suffered almost 40 years before, enduring dozens of operations and a lifetime of suffering.
She was honored along with California Highway Patrolman Philip Ortiz, who died in a freeway accident on June 22, 2010.
More pictures after the jump.
Rottler's grandchildren Veronnica Alvarado and Joshua Rottler lead the race coming into Altadena Station.
... backed up by the officers and supporters in the memorial run (Rottler's son Greg carries the torch).
Sgt. John Stanley, the sheriff department's unofficial historian, recounts Rottler's career.
Carolyn Seitz talks to Altadena Station Capt. Steven McLean, who was one of the runners.
UPDATE: We found a tribute page to Officer Ortiz here.
