On the afternoon of Saturday, January 7, 2006, the city of East Palo Alto lost an officer committed to the community – especially its troubled youth, and the family of Officer Richard May lost loving husband, father, and son.

At approximately 4:35 p.m., Officer May responded to a reported fight at a taqueria. With him on a ride-along was a 14-year-old Explorer Scout.

When they arrived at the scene, the suspect was leaving the restaurant on foot and Officer May followed in his car. The suspect began to run, attempted to scale a fence but failed. As Officer May pursued him on foot, the suspect turned and opened fire.

The Explorer Scout was still in the car when the shooting began and was not harmed during the incident. He made the first call of ‘officer down’ to report the shooting.

The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended the following morning. The Scout’s description of the suspect is credited with helping lead to the arrest of 23-year-old Alberto Alvarez of East Palo Alto, a known gang member on parole after serving 16 months in prison on drug and weapons charges.

“He explained what happened and what the suspect was wearing,” said Officer Brian Frayer, the assistant adviser for the East Palo Alto Police Department’s Explorers Program. “The slain officer’s family is extremely grateful.”

The teen, whose identity is being withheld by authorities, had logged about 650 hours riding with police officers during his 18 months in the program. “He did what he was supposed to do,” said John Richers, chief executive officer for the Boy Scouts Pacific Skyline Council, of which the boy is a member. “We’re terribly proud.”

Four days later, hundreds gathered at the HP Pavilion in San Jose to eulogize and remember Officer Richard May. He was described as a hero with a mischievous sense of humor and a loving father.

“I’m outraged to see this tragic waste of a good and decent man,” Attorney General Bill Lockyer said.

Upon high school graduation in 1985, May joined the Marines, eventually serving his country in Operation Desert Storm. This service led to the idea of doing police work, and he joined the Lompoc Police Department just over 10 years ago. He worked as a drug education officer and dedicated himself to youth outreach. He founded a Boys and Girls Club, raising money for a building and driving kids to games. He taught law enforcement classes at the high school and worked in a program that matched habitual offenders with police officer mentors.

On occasion Richard Allen May Sr., would ride along with his son and watch as he dealt with the people he met. “He was an officer who wanted to help, no matter what,” his father said.

When May transferred to East Palo Alto PD, he was unwilling to uproot his family – wife Dianna and three daughters, then age 9, 13 and 17. Instead, he commuted from San Luis Obispo, staying with his mother and stepfather at their home in Atherton during his half-week shifts.

Frank Merrill, Officer May’s stepfather, said although he sometimes talked about the dangers of patrol, more often May focused on the hopeful signs. “His biggest concern was trying to make a difference,” his stepfather said. “If he could make a difference with one kid, he was a success.”

A trust fund has been established for the May family as follows:
May Family Trust Fund
Account No. 458233826
San Mateo Credit Union
P.O. Box 910
Redwood City, CA 94064-0910

New Year’s Eve 2005 took a devastating turn for CHP’s Santa Cruz office and the family of Lt. Michael Walker.

At approximately 10:10 p.m. Lt. Walker and Sgt. Mike Redel responded to the scene of a traffic collision on narrow SR-17 that winds through the Santa Cruz mountains. In the stormy weather they provided assistance to a driver who had spun out and crashed. CalTrans worker, Victor Diaz arrived at the scene, parking his truck behind the CHP unit to provide additional traffic control. As Lt. Walker was initiating a flare pattern, an approaching driver lost control of his vehicle, striking the rear of the CalTrans truck, forcing it forward where it struck Lt. Walker. After arriving at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, Walker succumbed to his injuries.

A preliminary investigation of the accident showed no indication of drugs or alcohol. The driver of the vehicle, Jerry Blinkenberg, a 31-year-old resident of Boulder Creek, later died from injuries sustained in the accident.

Walker was the youngest of four boys raised in Daly City as part of a large extended Irish American family. In 1981 he followed his older brother, Robert, into the CHP. After serving Contra Costa County for 15 years, he was promoted to sergeant in the commercial vehicle inspection unit in Cordelia and moved to the Vallejo office in 2002. In May 2006 he earned his lieutenant bars and was assigned to Santa Cruz.

Rather than relocate his family when he took the new post, Walker, an avid camper, spent weekdays living in a travel trailer, driving home to Vacaville on weekends to be with his family. During the summer months, his wife Michelle, and the couple’s two daughters, Amanda, 9, and Jennifer, 7, joined him camping in the Santa Cruz area.

It was in Vacaville on January 6, 2006, that Lt. Michael Walker was remembered during a Catholic Mass at The Mission Church. Over 1600 people, including hundreds of officers from public safety agencies across six states, praised Walker as a dedicated husband and father, a gregarious and warm-hearted friend and a “road dog” who hated being stuck behind a desk. “Mike was more than just a great guy. He was a true believer,” CHP Commissioner Mike Brown said. “He truly believed in saving lives and protecting the public. It was a passion for him.” “He wouldn’t ask you to do anything he wouldn’t do himself,” said Officer Debbie Bratby, noting that Walker sent other officers home to be with their families on New Year’s Eve while he performed their duties.

Michelle Walker did not speak at the service, but in a note read by a relative she said Walker “brought so many gifts to his family, friends and work relationships…I was so blessed to have him in my life for 12 ½ years. Whatever was happening in our lives, not a day, a moment passed that we doubted Mike’s love.”

“He brought laughter and love to us in a million different ways.”

A memorial fund has been established for Walker’s daughters. Donations may be submitted to the Lt. Mike Walker Memorial Fund, c/o Comerica Bank, 30 Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, Aptos, Calif. 95003, or c/o CHP, 10395 Soquel Drive, Aptos, Calif. 95003.

“He was saving lives, protecting the public. He was doing his job, and he did it well.” Those were the words of CHP Commissioner Mike Brown at the memorial services for Officer Erick Manny, age 35 and a four-year CHP veteran.

On the morning of December 21, 2005, Officer Manny was killed in a single car accident on I-5 near the Grapevine, while in pursuit of a driver speeding upwards of 100 mph. During the chase, Manny swerved to avoid a truck that cut him off, witnesses told authorities. Manny’s car rolled down an embankment and came to rest on the Grapevine exit off ramp. Before the crash, Manny was able to radio in a description of the vehicle – a late-model black Acura RSX. In Manny’s last communication over the police radio, he referred to a “failure to yield” and then was not heard from again.

Investigators believe the speeder knew he or she was being followed based on witness reports that the Acura was weaving in and out of traffic to evade Manny, as well as the distance the chase covered. Investigators have contacted the vehicle manufacturer and will attempt to find the driver, even if that means considering every black Acura in the state.

Officer Manny was remembered not only as an officer, but as a friend and family man, leaving behind his wife Ronina and two young children: son Toran (11) and daughter Teagan (8). As she paused at her husband’s casket, Ronina bent down to kiss their children. Family friend Kevin Burton read a letter written by Ronina. “I know Erick would not want us to be sad, he’d want us to remember all the great times.”

“You couldn’t ask for a better man. He was the definition of a caring and gentle man,” Burton said. “He loved his job dearly.” Burton had known Manny since they were both about 19 years old and worked as emergency medical technicians. Manny was inspired to join the CHP by the death of Officer Richard Maxwell in 1994. Manny was part of the ambulance crew that responded when Maxwell was shot to death in a gunbattle. It was the camaraderie he saw among CHP officers at that time that encouraged him to join.

Officials at Hall Ambulance Service, where Manny worked as a paramedic for several years, expressed their condolences. “The community has suffered a tremendous loss of a gentleman who dedicated his life to serving, protecting and caring for others,” they said.

Lt. Rick Odom, Manny’s commanding officer in the Fort Tejon CHP office, remembered Manny as an upbeat guy who never said bad things about others. “He had a great sense of humor and was known to play a few practical jokes,” Odom said during the service. Odom said the small tight knit office won’t be the same, “He’s already missed.”

After the memorial service, members of the public lined the procession route from Valley Baptist to Hillcrest Memorial Park, where Manny was laid to rest.

On the afternoon of November 17, in rural Yolo County near the town of Woodland, CHP Officer Andrew T. Stevens was shot and killed instantly during a routine traffic stop.

At approximately 2:30 p.m. Stevens pulled over two vehicles and after waiving on the first, he approached the second driver. There was brief conversation described as cordial and professional, Officer Stevens then leaned into the driver’s window and was shot point-blank in the head. The suspect fled from the scene.

A witness sitting on a nearby tractor observed the entire incident and ran to Officer Stevens’ aide. CHP Chief Stan Perez said the last call to come in on Stevens’ radio was “mayday!, mayday!, mayday!,” as the citizen witness used the officer’s radio to frantically call for help.

Immediately, a regional manhunt was launched involving local police and sheriff’s departments, the CHP, and the FBI. Early the next morning a Placer County sheriff’s deputy spotted the suspect vehicle in a Rocklin hotel parking lot. Brendt Anthony Volarvich, 20, of Roseville and Lindsey Jane Montgomery, 20 of Woodland were taken into custody without incident. A third suspect, Gregory Zielesch, 47, of Woodland was arrested later that afternoon. Zielesch and Volarvich are suspected of being involved in a murder conspiracy plot in which the intended target was a Woodland man.

“Obviously, there’s a sense of relief” after the arrest, Chief Perez said at a news conference. “Who would he hurt next? Somebody so ruthless that would kill a police officer in cold blood, in broad daylight on a county road – what respect would they have for some other innocent person’s life?”

Volarvich and Zielesch were charged with murder of a police officer, conspiracy and possessing a firearm as felons. Both could face the death penalty. Montgomery was charged with harboring Volarvich. The next hearing date in this case is set for December 22.

Stevens’ loves in life were his wife, Michelle, their two basset hounds, and riding his Harley-Davidson. Officer Stevens was head of the Auburn H.O.G., Harley-Davidson Owners Group, and Michelle the club photographer. They biked around the country, including a ride to Milwaukee in 2003 for Harley-Davidson’s 100th anniversary. Last year the couple rode across Germany and Switzerland.

Over 3,000 mourners paid their respects to Officer Andy Stevens on November 22. Thousands of officers in their ‘Class A’s’ and hundreds of bikers in their black leathers packed the Adventure Christian Church in Roseville. Many dignitaries including Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Treasurer Phil Angelides were in attendance. Upon arriving at the church, all filed past Officer Stevens’ Harley parked in the church lobby draped with his leather vest, pants and helmet.

Calling the service a “solemn and sacred moment” Senior Pastor Rick Stedman addressed the congregation, “It is an honor for us to serve you today because you law enforcement officers serve us each and every day of the year. So this service is for you, and for Andy, and his family.”

Stevens was remembered as a man who followed his call to service, both in his job with the CHP and around his community, whether it was organizing the annual neighborhood camping trip, or the holiday toy drive for needy children.

Robert Hays, Stevens’ closest friend and best man at his wedding, spoke directly to Stevens’ wife with tears in his eyes. “Michelle, Andy loved you with all his heart, I can never express how much he loved you. He loved you with all of his being.”

After the memorial service, a motorcade led by over 200 Harley-Davidson riders, followed by hundreds more law enforcement motorcycles and patrol cars drove through Roseville to Mount Vernon Memorial Park in Fair Oaks for Stevens’ burial.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has suffered its second Line of Duty death in 2005. This latest tragedy occurred on October 11, 2005, when Deputy Daniel Lobo, Jr. of the Rancho Cucamonga station died from injuries suffered when his motorcycle collided with a car that pulled out directly in his path. It comes less than four months after the death of Deputy Greg Gariepy, and just over one year following the loss of Deputy Ron Ives, also a motor deputy from the Rancho Cucamonga station.

Deputy Lobo, along with a second motor deputy and a deputy in a squad car were heading east on Arrow Highway at 3:25 p.m. with lights and sirens on in response to a crash at Etiwanda Avenue. A man pulled out of a driveway to head west on Arrow. The first motor was able to pass, the patrol officer swerved out of the way, but Lobo could not avoid the vehicle and was thrown from his motor after striking the rear of the car. Paramedics arrived minutes after the accident and began CPR. Lobo was flown to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, where he passed away at 4:12 p.m.

Deputy Lobo first joined the Sheriff’s Department in 1994 and was assigned to the Rancho Cucamonga station in 1998. He is remembered by fellow deputies as a happy guy, always smiling; a man with a positive outlook on life, love of family, and devotion to his work. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Lobo; three daughters, Kiley, Kadie and Maddison; and his parents, Daniel Lobo Sr. and Gloria Lobo.

About 2,000 people paid their respects to Lobo at his funeral services on October 17th. During the service at Hillside Community Church in Rancho Cucamonga, Lobo’s middle daughter Kadie, 10, read a letter she wrote for her father. “I will miss you. I can’t wait for the day that I’m up in heaven with you and God.” she said.

“When we lose one of our brothers, our family, it just tears us up. I can’t imagine what Jennifer and her family are going through.” said Sheriff Gary Penrod.

Deputy John Bannes, who met Lobo at sheriff’s academy orientation more than a decade ago, shared stories about Lobo, such as the time he ran into a burning house to help people get out, and came out startled by what he later discovered was a 300-pound potbelly pig. “Danny, being the hero he was … was the first one to get on the scene…He was one of those partners that you could depend on to be there.”

State Attorney General Bill Lockyer also spoke about Lobo and the sacrifices he made as a sheriff’s deputy. Addressing Lobo’s three young daughters he said, “Your dad was a hero. You should be proud.”

A year ago, Mothers Against Drunk Driving presented an award to Rocklin Police Officer Matthew Redding for making the most arrests of drunken driving suspects in 2003. That year, Officer Redding took 25 DUI suspects off the streets – the most of any police officer in Placer County.

On Sunday, October 9, 2005, a drunk driver took Officer Redding’s life.

Redding was assisting Citrus Heights police in a high risk traffic stop setting up traffic cones when Eric Dungan of Lincoln struck the officer and drove away. Dungan was arrested shortly after the crash and charged with gross vehicular manslaughter, felony hit and run, and driving under the influence. Authorities report his blood-alcohol level was measured at 0.15. Redding was flown to Sutter Roseville Hospital, where despite the best efforts of police, fire, ambulance, and hospital personnel, he died as a result of the injuries inflicted. “It’s such an irony that he would be killed by a drunken driver,” said Matthew Redding’s father, John. “This (suspect) has now changed our lives forever.”

John Redding said his son began to consider a criminal justice career as early as the eighth grade. By the time he got to college, Matt’s goal was to become a police officer for his hometown of Rocklin. “It was the proudest day of Matt’s life when his mother pinned his police stripes on his chest,” said Redding.

He was a local boy with a love of fishing, skiing, golfing, but even more for law enforcement. Officer Redding is described as larger than life, religious, and a terrific role model – especially for the youth of this close knit community. Rocklin’s Police Chief says everyone in the department was proud to work alongside the hard working, caring officer who had a special way with people. “Matt was so good with people, his Superior described him as being able to arrest half the city, only to have them come in, shake his hand and thank him,” said Rocklin Police Chief Mark Siemens.

On Friday, October 14th, over three thousand people including peace officers from around the state, crowded into Roseville’s Adventure Christian Church to pay their final respects. Redding’s flag-draped casket was watched over by an honor guard throughout the ceremony.

After a slide presentation featuring photos of Redding, Cpl. Eric Dollar of the Rocklin Police Department read the Policeman’s Prayer, “I don’t think I can do this,” he said, choking back tears. Haltingly he exchanged the word “policeman” with Redding’s first name in the poem’s last stanza. “Step forward now Matt, you’ve borne your burdens well,” Dollar read. “Come walk a beat on heaven’s street, you’ve done your time in hell.”

During the service, Chief Siemens announced that Governor Schwarzenegger’s office declared December of this year to be known as Redding Drunk Driving Awareness Month.

At the conclusion of the memorial service, law enforcement personnel saluted as they filed past the coffin, which was then led by a lone bagpiper to the church parking lot where helicopters honored Officer Redding with a flyover. A huge funeral procession passed through Rocklin streets and eventually reached Bayside Covenant Church in Granite Bay, where a reception was held.

Officer Matthew Redding was laid to rest during a private burial ceremony at Rocklin Cemetery. He is survived by his parents, John and Carolyn; brother, Mark; and girlfriend, Jessica Navarette.

On the evening of October 6, 2005, Deputy Kevin Elium, a five year veteran of the Tulare County Sheriffs Department, was on patrol in Porterville with volunteer sheriff’s chaplain Lee Sorenson. At approximately 2100 hours Deputy Elium answered a call to back up a fellow deputy on a high-risk traffic stop in the Strathmore area. As he attempted to pass a car with lights and siren on, his patrol car went off the narrow roadway and hit a tree.

The driver of the car Elium was passing witnessed the crash and was first to call 911 dispatchers on a cell phone. Both Elium and Sorenson were pinned in the patrol call. After about 25 minutes, Sorenson, age 73, was pulled from the car by rescue crews and taken to Sierra View District Hospital, where he since recovered from his injuries. It took approximately another hour to free Elium from the wreckage. He was flown by helicopter to University Medical Center in Fresno. He died at the hospital shortly after midnight on October 7.

October 12, 2005 Deputy Elium was remembered as a caring father, respected deputy, and smiling friend during funeral services at the Church of the Nazarene in Porterville. More than 1,000 people, including peace officers from up and down the state ranging from El Segundo Police Department near Los Angeles to El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department in Northern California, came to pay their respects to the fallen deputy. “I can’t give you a reason for why this happened. … I can tell you I lost a hard-working deputy,” Tulare County Sheriff Bill Wittman said during the service.

After the church services, dozens of patrol cars and police motorcycles along with ambulances and fire trucks, led a two-mile procession to Hillcrest Memorial Park for graveside services that included a 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, and a helicopter flyover from the California Highway Patrol and the Sheriff’s Departments of Fresno and Kern counties. While a bagpiper mournfully played “Amazing Grace,” one of Deputy Elium’s three children helped to release a flock of white doves that circled over the crowd before disappearing into the horizon.

Elium served in the U.S. Army and worked as an emergency medical technician in the South Valley for ten years. He was hired by the Tulare County Sheriffs Department after graduating from the College of the Sequoias Police Academy in 2001. He worked first in the detentions division and later transferred to transportation. He was promoted to patrol duties in 2004, working from the sheriff’s Porterville substation.

Deputy Elium is survived by his three children, parents, and foster parents.

Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement Special Agent Supervisor William Garvey was involved in a fatal traffic accident in the early morning on Saturday, September 24, 2005. Based out of the BNE Los Angeles Regional Office, SAS Garvey had finished up an operation in San Luis Obispo and was returning home in his state issued car when he lost control of his vehicle.

SAS Garvey is survived by his wife Gail, daughter Natalie Garvey-DeLeon, son-in-law Franklin DeLeon, and two grandchildren.

On the morning of September 23, 2005, CHP Santa Fe Springs substation suffered its second Line-of-Duty loss is little over a year. CHP Motor Officer David Marin Romero was struck down and killed by a driver suspected of being under the influence of a controlled substance. At the time of the accident, the suspect was on probation for a prior DUI conviction.

After working a street racing detail that went into the early morning hours of Friday, September 23, Officer Romero reported for “A” watch and had planned to work through the morning commute hours and go home around 10:00 a.m. Shortly before 10 a.m. Officer Romero was riding his departmental motorcycle on patrol, stopped at a red traffic signal in the left hand turn lane on northbound Turnbull Canyon Road at Valley Boulevard in the City of Industry. Romero was very familiar with this intersection. He had friends at several restaurants in the area, his friend Rene owned the tire shop on the southwest corner, and he knew almost everyone at Haddick’s Towing on Valley Blvd., 100 yards west of Turnbull Canyon Road.

Rudy Lopez Saldana (26) was also driving northbound on Turnbull Canyon Road, approaching Valley Boulevard. Reportedly Romero saw Saldana’s vehicle approaching him from the rear at a high rate of speed. “He noticed that the fast approaching vehicle was coming up from behind,” said CHP Officer John Escovido. “He attempted to gain the attention of that driver by waving his arms and turning on his emergency lights.” Despite those efforts, Saldana’s vehicle continued toward Officer Romero and struck him without slowing. Officer Romero and his motorcycle were propelled across the intersection. Investigators estimate that Saldana was going nearly 60 miles per hour when he hit the motorcycle. After hitting Romero, Saldana’s vehicle continued into the intersection and was broadsided by another car. Saldana and the driver of the other car suffered minor injuries.

Citizens called 911 and “Officer Down” was broadcast to both CHP and allied agencies in the area. A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy and lieutenant were the first to arrive, and immediately began CPR on Officer Romero. Also responding was Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Air Rescue 5 was immediately dispatched and before Santa Fe Springs personnel could arrive on scene, Officer Romero was loaded for transport. Not wanting Romero to be transported without his “CHP family,” Baldwin Park Area Officer Mark Cadena jumped into the helicopter. Officer Romero was airlifted to Los Angeles County/U.S.C. Medical Center where he succumbed from injuries.

Born April 2, 1958, in West Covina, Calif., Officer Romero grew up in Hacienda Heights and attended Los Altos High School. Dave graduated from the CHP Academy on May 27, 1982, and was a motor officer for 21 years. Spending all but seven months of his CHP career at the Santa Fe Springs Area office, he liked to work near the same schools he attended and never wanted to leave the community he loved.

Officer Romero is survived by his wife, Sandra; children Austin, Windsor, and David; stepchildren Victor and Vanessa; brother Gregory Romero; sisters Lydia Huard and Sylvia Romero; and many other relatives and friends. Dave was a devoted husband, loving father, brother, uncle, and friend. He is described by his son as someone who was always there for his family. “Anything we needed, he was the first person we could go to,” said Austin Romero. Romero enjoyed coaching his children’s sporting events, dirt bike riding, and water skiing with his family and fellow officers. All who knew Romero say he truly loved life and lived his to the fullest.

The criminal investigation is being conducted by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department Homicide Bureau, and CHP Southern Division personnel are assisting homicide detectives in preparing the case for trial. Rudy Lopez Saldana faces two counts: murder of a peace officer and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Investigators believe Saldana was under the influence of a controlled substance at the time of the collision. Saldana has a criminal history that includes a DUI conviction for which he is currently on probation. He was arraigned in the Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, September 28 – the same day as Officer Romero’s funeral.

Nearly 2,500 people attended memorial services for Officer Romero, including Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, CHP Commissioner Mike Brown, and fellow law enforcement officers from throughout the state of California. From the Calvary Chapel in Downey, a massive procession followed a limousine carrying Romero’s coffin to Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier. Overhead, three CHP helicopters flew in “missing man” formation, a bugler played taps, and a rifle salute echoed across the cemetery. Motorcycle officers placed their white gloves on the casket and CHP officials presented his widow with American and California flags. Romero’s children laid white and red roses on his coffin as white doves circled above.

A trust fund has been established in memory of Officer David Romero. Donations can be made to:

David Romero Memorial Fund
c/o Rancho Bank
P.O. Box 697
San Dimas, CA 91773
(909) 599-0871

On February 4, 2002 Nels “Dan” Niemi joined an ever growing number of individuals who pursue careers as young adults in an unrelated field, finally recognizing that their real interests and calling lies in public service, joining the ranks of law enforcement.

Police recruit “Dan” Niemi entered the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department Training Academy in February, 2002, graduated, and joined the San Leandro Police Department in August of that year. Niemi was thirty-nine years old and had been employed in the computer industry for a number of years before becoming a police officer.

On the evening of July 25 Officer “Dan” Niemi’s dreams of a long, productive career in law enforcement came crashing down, less than three years after joining the ranks of the San Leandro Police Department.

That evening, Officer Niemi had responded to a routine “disturbing the peace” call in a relatively quiet neighborhood. He was questioning three young males at the scene when he was approached by a Latino male, later identified as 23-year-old Irving A. “Gotti” Ramirez. Niemi asked Ramirez for his I.D. and was running a record and warrant check over the police radio, when, without warning or provocation, Ramirez produced an automatic pistol, firing seven rounds and mortally wounding the officer. Niemi was transported to the Eden Medical Center where he succumbed to his wounds shortly after his arrival.

Immediately following the shooting an all out “man hunt” was initiated to apprehend “Gotti” Ramirez, a known Meth user with an extensive arrest record, who was on probation and had the bad fortune to have left his drivers license at the scene of the shooting in the hand of Officer Niemi.

On July 26, the day following the shooting, Ramirez was taken into custody without incident, hiding in an apartment in Daly City.

“Gotti” Ramirez has been charged and arraigned for the crime of murder with special circumstances. If convicted, “Gotti” Ramirez would most likely receive the death penalty.

Nels “Dan” Niemi was born on the Island of Guam, where his father was stationed as a pilot for Pan American Airlines. “Dan”, early on exhibited a strong interest in law enforcement as a member of a Police Explorers Scout program while attending De La Salle High School in Concord. Later, as a young adult he continued that interest, teaching self defense and gun awareness classes, while still employed in the computer industry.

San Leandro Police Chief Joe Kitchen praised “Dan Niemi” as “a competent and caring officer who quietly went about his business with little fanfare. He was a quiet, all around nice guy”.

Supporting the notion that “Dan” Niemi died doing something he truly believed in, he once wrote in his personal journal “We can’t save the world. If, however, just once in awhile we can make someone a little safer, leave someone just a little better off than we found them, doesn’t that count for something?” “Dan” Niemi not only espoused that philosophy, he lived it, earning him the much deserved title “Renaissance Man”.

On the morning of Monday, August 1 the Neighborhood Church in Castro Valley was filled to over flowing with uniformed law enforcement officers representing multiple jurisdictions from California and each of the adjoining States, come to join the Niemi family, friends and co-workers in bidding farewell to another hero gone too soon. Interment was private.

Officer Niemi is survived by his wife Dionne, daughter Gabrielle (6) and step son Josh Hewitt (14)

A fund has been established in the name of the Niemi family, C/0 San Leandro Police Officers’ Association, 901 E. 14th Street, San Leandro, CA 94577.