On Monday, October 26, 2020, recruits from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Class 453 dedicated their “Colors Run” to Officer Anthony Dia of the Toledo Police Department in Toledo, Ohio. A “Colors Run” is a run in which every graduating academy class participates in and dedicates it to a fallen officer around the nation. The run helps to promote unity and pride among the recruits, and it’s a way of earning their Sheriff patches to be worn on their uniforms.

On Saturday, July 4, 2020, Officer Anthony Dia was shot after responding to a disturbance call at a local hardware store. Despite his wounds, he was able to return fire as the suspect fled. While Officer Dia was receiving medical aid from witnesses at the scene, he was able to put out a heartbreaking recorded radio broadcast in which he said, “Tell my family I love them.” Officer Dia was transported to a local hospital but unfortunately, succumbed to his wounds. He was a police officer for a total of 4 years and is survived by his wife, two sons and his parents.

Class 453 arranged for the entire Dia family to fly out to Los Angeles to be a part of their special run dedicated to their loved one, Anthony. “As far as I know, this is the first run that we’ve done dedicating it to an officer outside of the state, so having the family here was a tremendous honor and privilege for the class,” said Recruit Training Unit Deputy Jeff Rupert.On Friday, November 20, 2020, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva swore in 71 graduates from Class 453 compiling 20 female and 51 male graduates.

Thank you for your service Officer Dia, your family will always be in our thoughts and prayers.