Santa Cruz Warriors Salute Public Safety Officers Monday

Some 400 first responders will attend Monday's Santa Cruz Warriors game against the Idaho Stampede with free tickets donated by realtor Paul Locatelli. 

The nationally televised game will feature the retirement of jerseys dedicated to slain police officers Det. Elizabeth Butler and Sgt. Loran "Butch" Baker.

“As a long-standing member of this community, I feel it’s imperative that we all rally around our public safety officers,” said Locatelli in a press release. “The officers are always there when we need them – day or night – and now it’s time that we are there for them during their time of need.”

Added team president Jim Weyermann: 

“The greatest honor a basketball team can award anyone is the retirement of their jerseys. It signifies the highest level of performance and contribution of an individual to the goals and objectives of the team.

"In this case, Sgt. Baker and Det. Butler gave the ultimate sacrifice for the good of this community and, as such, we believe they should be recognized in this way.

"Our hope is that their story will be told for generations to come, as every person who walks in the arena will have the opportunity to see the jerseys and we will have the opportunity to tell their story. This marks the beginning of our ongoing celebration and acknowledgement of the ultimate sacrifice they provided.”

Mayor Hilary Bryant and Police Chief Kevin Vogel will speak during halftime.

Woodstock Pizza is donating 50 percent of all sales that day to the fund for the fallen officers.