Assemblyman for Mountain Communities Calls End of Manhunt 'Bittersweet'

Shortly after confirmation of fugitive Christopher Dorner's death was announced Thursday afternoon, the state assemblyman for San Bernardino Mountain communities including Big Bear Lake, Seven Oaks and Angelus Oaks called the end of the manhunt for Dorner "bittersweet."

Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, R-Hesperia, represents the 33rd District, which stretches from Mill Creek Canyon to Death Valley and the Colorado River. A map of the 33rd District is attached to this report.

"This week has brought bittersweet news of the end of the pursuit for an unrepentant serial killer who was hiding out in our San Bernardino Mountains," Donnelly said in an announcement.

"It is sweet because this murderer is no longer preying on our community, or on our officers, but the lives lost in the process have left us with a deep sadness," Donnelly said.

The rest of Donnelly's statement is below:

As a result of one man's evil actions, a father no longer has a daughter, another family lost a son, and a town lost more than we can put into words, Donnelly said.

In the end, it was the courage of our local law enforcement officers, under the leadership of our new sheriff John McMahon, which ended the killing spree. As we try to comprehend the magnitude of this tragedy, we have an opportunity to honor and remember the bravery and the sacrifice of those who risked and those who ultimately gave their lives to protect others.

Yesterday, I visited the somber Twin Peaks Sheriff’s station, where San Bernardino Sheriff’s Detective Jeremiah Mackay, who was killed in the line of duty while protecting our communities from the crazed killer, grew up and first served as a deputy.  Detective Mackay was 35 years old and leaves behind his wife, two young children, and many friends, family members, and fellow officers.

Another deputy – Deputy Alex Collins from the Big Bear Sherrif's station was also wounded in the standoff. He and his family face a tough road to recovery. Please join me in praying for a full and speedy recovery and for his family.   Our community was scarred Tuesday, and our state has been marred by the evil actions of one man, but our law enforcement officers remain as dedicated and resilient as ever.

While at the Sheriff’s station, one deputy remarked that, "In spite of our loss, we look at this operation as a success in that we were able to end the threat without the loss of any civilians."

It was a sobering moment. These deputies go to work every day, knowing they might not come home, but they see it as their duty and core mission to protect and serve the community, shielding them from predators.

Both the Collins, and the Mackays need to know how much we appreciate their incredible bravery and sacrifice. I have sent my letters of condolence and of support and I urge you to do the same. Those brave souls, who every day put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe, now, more than ever, need our support and encouragement.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s office is now collecting letters:  

E-mails and correspondence of well wishes, prayers and encouragement can be sent to paffairs@sbcsd.org. or mailed to:  San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Public Affairs Division, 655 East Third Street, San Bernardino CA  92415 attn: Deputy Frank Navarro.

Related News:

• DORNER IS DEAD: Confirmed ID of Charred Remains Made in Autopsy
• REDLANDS MOURNS: Slain Detective is Second Local Victim Tied to Dorner
• VIDEO: Thousands Mourn Loss of Slain Riverside Police Officer Michael Crain
• MANHUNT SHOOTOUT: Angelus Oaks Family Recalls Massive Response on 38
• DORNER MANHUNT: Mountain Search for Alleged Cop-Killer to Go Thru Night
• Murder Charges Filed Against Chris Dorner in Redlands High Grad's Death
• Funeral Service Information for Slain Riverside Police Officer Mike Crain
• $1 Million Reward Offered For Dorner's Capture
• LAPD Chief Beck's Full Statement on Reviewing Dorner's Termination Case
• MANHUNT: Search For Rogue Former Cop Continues
• DORNER MANHUNT: Armed Deputies Vigilant on Snowbound Mountain Roads
• Winter Storm Warning for Mountains Where Dorner Search is Under Way
• DORNER MANIFESTO: Rogue Officer Posted His Plan for 'Last Resort' Online

Follow Redlands-Loma Linda Patch on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for the free daily newsletter here.