SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. _ From the earliest hours Friday, people touched by the attack one year ago in San Bernardino began gathering to remember the victims and honor those who offered their help in a moment of terror.
Several gatherings were set to take place in the city throughout the day, each one reflecting the profound impact of the violence on the lives of victims' families, first responders, county employees and many others throughout the region.
Fourteen people were killed and 22 wounded Dec. 2, 2015, when a county employee and his wife entered an office holiday gathering and opened fire in a conference center at Inland Regional Center.
Friday morning, members of law enforcement and their supporters met at San Bernardino Police Department headquarters for a 14-mile bike ride _ each mile representing one of the victims of the attack.
The ride concluded at Inland Regional Center, where employees and others had gathered in front of the conference center for a moment of silence and a remembrance ceremony.
A large memorial gathering for the community is scheduled Friday evening at California State University, San Bernardino.
"We're here to remember those who lost their lives and remember those who were injured," said San Bernardino Police Sgt. Emil Kokesh, who helped organize the bike ride and was among the first responders on Dec. 2.
"It was one of the most tragic things our department has ever had to respond to," he said. "It's something that the first responders who were there ... are never going to forget."
Several county probation officers also attended the ride.
More than 100 probation officers responded to the attack, helping to evacuate victims and provide logistical support.
Some of those employees are still struggling to recover, said Julie Francis, deputy chief for county probation.
"They're very proud of the role and opportunity to assist," she said. "At the same time, their lives are touched forever by what they saw."
At Inland Regional Center, dozens of employees were among those who participated in the moment of silence, which began just before 10:58 a.m. _ the time dispatchers received the first 911 call.
A bell rang 14 times for each of the victims.
"A year has passed, and we continue to heal," said Lavinia Johnson, executive director of the regional center, which coordinates services for more than 30,000 people with developmental disabilities in San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
One year later, the conference center remains closed for repairs, but there are plans to reopen it sometime next year, officials said.
County employees Paula Garcia and Zen Martinsen said they took time off work to attend the ceremony.
They were working at a county office in Yucaipa when the attack took place.
Garcia remembered listening to broadcast coverage and feeling helpless.
"You can't do anything to help but pray," she said.
One year later, the attack continues to have a deep impact on county employees, both women said.
"The thoughts never stop," Garcia said.
They made a point of attending Friday morning's memorial, she said, "to show support, and to grieve for our family."
