Off the Vine

A unique wine and food tasting event, “Fallen Officer Memorial Food and Wine Festival Fundraiser,” will be 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at Cable Airport in Upland.

The event will honor fallen Upland Police Officer Ernest Ralph Dark.

Officer Dark served the City of Upland for more than 12 years, giving the ultimate sacrifice when he died in the line of duty on Sept. 17, 1940. He left behind his wife Walteen and two young children, Harold, then 7, and Maxine, 5.

Specialty foods, awardwinning vintages, craft brews and auction items, including autographed bottles from local vintners Brian Brandt, of Brandt Family Winery, and Don Galleano, of Galleano Winery, will be available.

“We look forward to pouring for our fellow community members and enjoying the evening together as we support our local law enforcement,” said Upland resident Jody Gmeiner, Co-producer of the Jerry D. Mead’s New World International Wine Competition.

“We will be offering a selection of delicious reds, whites, fruit wine and perhaps a bit of dessert wine and late harvest varietals to enjoy.”

Jerry D. Mead’s NWIWC has raised more than $1million for local charities and nonprofits over the years through events.

“The memorial is a place to pay our respect and honor any officer killed in the line of duty,” said Upland Police Chief Brian P. Johnson.

Tickets are limited to 250 people with $50 donation per person, available at the Upland Police Department at 1499 W. 13th Street, 909 946-7624. Also, from Upland Chamber of Commerce at 909 204-4465. Sponsorships available. Please contact Terri Galdo at tgaldo@ uplandchamber.org

The Fallen Officer Memorial is located on the entrance grounds at the Upland Police Department.All costs associated with the construction are from private contributions. For more information please email OfficerAnthony Kabayan at akabayan@uplandpd.org.