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Officer Tara O'Sullivan represented the very best of the Sacramento State and law enforcement communities. She was one of the first four students, and the only woman, to complete the LECS program. With her determination, big heart, tenacity, and character, Tara was helping to build bridges between law enforcement and the community.
A scholarship is being established at Sacramento State in Tara's name, to be awarded to future LECS program students, ensuring that Tara is remembered and that her spirit and values continue to lead and guide future law enforcement officers.
Dear Hornet Community,
I am deeply saddened to share that one of our alumni, Tara O’Sullivan, was killed in the line of duty on Wednesday evening. Tara, a Sacramento Police Officer, was responding to a domestic violence call when she was fatally shot by a gunman in North Sacramento. She was only 26 years old. I am devastated that this young and promising life has been lost to such violence.
Tara enrolled in the Law Enforcement Candidate Scholars' (LECS) Program at Sacramento State and was in the first class to graduate from that program in 2017. She is remembered as one of the brightest scholars in LECS and as a highly active leader. Tara graduated from Sacramento State in December 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development. She loved the San Francisco Giants and was excited to start her career in law enforcement.
Tara began her formal training with the Sacramento Police Department Academy in July 2018 and graduated in December 2018. Since January, she has served with the Sacramento Police Department.
Our hearts go out to Tara’s family, friends, classmates, and fellow officers. This exceptional young officer will be remembered by the Hornet Family for her intelligence, commitment to public service, and bravery.
We are establishing a scholarship in Tara's honor, so that her name and spirit will live on, and she will continue to inspire generations of Law Enforcement Candidate Scholars.
With a heavy heart,
President Robert S. Nelsen
