07/02/2025
In early 2003, then-Sergeant Vernon H. Warnke was tasked with forming the Merced County Sheriff's Office’s first Honor Guard. This photo features the founding members of the Honor Guard, which performed its first ceremony shortly after its formation in the summer of 2003.
Pictured here, the Honor Guard is seen preparing to post the Colors at the Merced County Peace Officers’ Memorial, circa 2004.
Front row: Sergeant Vern Warnke (later Sheriff)
Second row: Deputy Ralph Zyskowski (Retired), Deputy Corey Gibson (now Undersheriff), Deputy Kevin Blake (now Sergeant), Deputy Rick Shukri (Retired)
Third row: Correctional Officer Terry Adams (Retired), Deputy Dan Edmonson (Deceased), Deputy Aaron Rosenberg (now Captain)