Letter to the Hon. Ricardo Cordova, Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of California, County of Stanislaus - New Stanislaus County Courthouse Should Be Named After Fallen Hero Corporal Ronil Singh

Letter

Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) is encouraging the Stanislaus County Superior Court to name the new courthouse after fallen Newman Police Officer Corporal Ronil Singh. The new courthouse is slated to break ground next year in Modesto. The local court has the authority to request a name change from the California Judicial Council, which typically honors local requests.

"I think this would be a fitting tribute -- Corporal Singh was a local hero who bravely worked to keep our families safe. He deserves this honor," said Rep. Harder. "We owe all of our law enforcement officers a debt of gratitude for their service -- but especially those who have fallen while in the line of duty, like Corporal Singh and Sheriff's Deputy Tony Hinostroza who we lost just last year here in Stanislaus."

Corporal Singh's wife, Anamika, is supportive of the effort.

"Ronil loved his community and wanted an opportunity to serve it since childhood. Becoming a police officer was his ultimate dream. Ronil took an oath to protect and serve this community and made the ultimate sacrifice. There are no words to express how much it would mean to our family for the county courthouse to be named in his honor," said Anamika Chand-Singh, Corporal Singh's wife. "The courthouse is a symbol of perseverance and justice," Anamika added

In May, Rep. Harder introduced the Corporal Ronil Singh and Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act, which would guarantee that all spouses, as well as children, of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, have guaranteed access to federal Pell Grants.

The text of the letter is below, and an original copy is available here.

I write today to encourage you to consider naming the planned Superior Court of California in Stanislaus County after fallen local hero Newman Police Corporal Ronil Singh. Corporal Singh gave his life while serving the people of Stanislaus County in the line of duty, and it is only fitting that the new courthouse bears his name.

As you may know, Corporal Ronil Singh immigrated to the United States from Fiji, where he dreamed of becoming a police officer. Singh volunteered with the Modesto Police Department and went on to serve as a Code Enforcement Officer for the Turlock Police Department. After graduating from the police academy, he served as a custodial deputy sheriff with Merced County and then as a Corporal for the Newman Police Department.

Corporal Singh was killed in the line of duty on December 26, 2018 while conducting a vehicle stop. He leaves behind his wife and son. I have spoken with Corporal Singh's widow, Anamika, who agrees that naming the new courthouse in his honor would be an appropriate tribute.

The new courthouse ought to signify the spirit of justice Corporal Singh embodied. Courthouses are typically named after individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community -- Corporal Singh certainly fits that bill. It would be a proper honor to add his name to the new courthouse.

I appreciate your time and consideration of this request. My office stands ready to assist with the application process to the Judicial Council.

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