'Hero Remembered' event will honor slain deputy tonight

On the one-year anniversary of his death, Stanislaus County sheriff's Deputy Dennis Wallace will be honored Monday, Nov. 13, by friends, family and community members in Hughson.

At the Hughson Sports & Fitness Complex soccer fields named in his memory, the 6 p.m. "A Hero Remembered" program will include prayer, song, reflections on Wallace, a release of balloons and refreshments.

The event is presented by the city of Hughson, the Hughson Unified School District, the Blue Line Wives and Wallace's family.

The gathering also will serve to benefit the Hughson Community Project Christmas Basket Program. Attendees are encouraged to bring food, clothing and toys that will be taken to St. Anthony's Catholic Church. The items will help build Christmas baskets that will go to local families in need.

"The family wants to make this evening one of celebration and giving back to the community Dennis loved," Amanda Young, one of the event organizers, posted Tuesday on Facebook.

Wallace was 53 and nearing retirement when he was gunned down the morning of Nov. 13, 2016, while checking a stolen van at the Fox Grove fishing access near Hughson, his longtime home.

Suspect David Machado was arrested a few hours later. It was reported Tuesday that Machado, whose criminal case remains suspended, will be sent back to a mental health facility after refusing medication at the San Joaquin County Jail.

This story was originally published November 7, 2017 at 12:51 PM with the headline "'Hero Remembered' event will honor slain deputy tonight."