An undercover Oakland narcotics officer was shot and killed by two rookie policeman while he was arresting a car theft suspect last night.

William Wilkins, 29, a seven-year veteran of the department, was the 46th Oakland policeman to die in the line of duty since 1867 but the first killed by friendly fire.

Wilkins, a member of the Alameda County Narcotics Task Force, had caught a car theft suspect after chasing him through backyards in the 9100 block of D Street in East Oakland, police said.

Just what caused the two uniformed officers to fire at Wilkins, who was wearing civilian clothes, is unclear.

Kim Davis, who witnessed the aftermath of the shooting, said the uniformed officers were overcome with grief when they realized what they had done.

“Willie! Willie! .’.’. Just keep on breathing!,” Davis said she heard one officer say. “We’re going to get you some help.”

But it was too late.

The shooting was reported at 11:14 p.m. Wilkins died of his wounds at 2:20 this morning at Highland Hospital.

Oakland City Manager Robert Bobb said the hospital’s trauma team made heroic efforts to save him.

Police Chief Richard L. Word and chief homicide investigator Paul Berlin, both of whom appeared overwhelmed by Wilkins’ death, responded brusquely at a mid-morning press conference and left many questions hanging in the air, saying that the investigation had only just begun.

Police said Wilkins, who was working on a narcotics case, had evidently seen a speeding car and, realizing it was stolen, gave chase. In the end, Wilkins collared the suspect before the two uniformed officers, who were on the same mission, arrived.

Berlin said investigators found 11 spent shell casings at the scene of the shooting. He would not say how many times Wilkins had been shot, other than to say it was more than once.

The two uniformed officers, whose names were not released, are both in their 20s, and neither has more than a year on the force, Berlin said.

The officers are “very traumatized, and we are giving them time to collect themselves” before they are interrogated, Berlin said.

Berlin said he did not know whether the uniformed officers warned Wilkins before they fired.

Nor did he know whether Wilkins fired. “We haven’t examined his weapon yet,” he said.

Berlin also acknowledged that the department isn’t sure whether the uniformed officers knew that Wilkins had responded to the report of a stolen car and won’t until investigators examine radio tapes that figure to shed more light on the incident.

Exactly how the uniformed officers and Wilkins came into contact is murky, and neither Word nor Berlin clarified the situation.

Larry Jetton, who lives near the scene of the shooting, said the chase for the car thief went right through his backyard.

Davis, 41, who also lives in the area, said she had just gone to bed when she heard gunshots.

“All I know is that I was sleeping and heard all these gunshots boom, boom, boom, boom, boom. The shots were so intense that I thought they were coming through my house,” she said.

Davis ran out to the living room, and when she looked out her front window, she saw a man wearing blue jeans and a coat with a T-shirt underneath in her driveway. He fell to the ground as she watched. She said she saw a uniformed officer standing to his rear, with his gun trained on Wilkins.

“I don’t think (the uniformed officers) knew that the man was an officer,” Davis said. “But they soon figured out.”

Other officers soon converged on the scene, stripping off Wilkins’ clothes, attempting CPR and applying pressure where he was bleeding.

“I saw a bullet hole in his side,” Davis said.

This morning, Davis was sweeping up her living room. At least one bullet from last night’s shooting hit a wall, and a slug fell out of a quilt that had been on her sofa.

“This is scary,” she said. “Normally at that hour I would be sitting here with my kids watching TV.”

In the aftermath of what every police officer regards as one of the worst possible consequences of responding to a crime scene, Sgt. David Walsh summed up the department’s mood: “This is not a good day.”

Fernando Wilkins, the dead officer’s father, said that his son would often tell his family how proud he was to work for the Oakland Police Department.

“He loved his job,” Wilkins said. “He wouldn’t do anything else. He wouldn’t change for another career.”

Wilkins’ son, William Randolph, does not know of his father’s death. “He’s too young to understand,” Fernando Wilkins said, of the 10- month-old baby.

William Wilkins grew up in Hayward and Union City. At age 17, he followed his father’s footsteps and joined the same National Guard unit that his father had belonged to.

The elder Wilkins, who grew up in Panama, emigrated to the United States in 1964. As a National Guardsman, William Wilkins had tours of duty in Korea, Honduras and Panama.

Although his son was killed by friendly fire in the line of duty, Fernando Wilkins said he had no hard feelings toward the police department.

“We have the best regard for them,” he said. “They have put everything at our disposal.”

Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown extended his sympathy to Wilkins’ family and said that “this is the kind of tragedy we hope never happens but in the course of human events, they do happen.”

City Manager Bobb, who went to Highland Hospital and watched the trauma team’s effort to keep Wilkins alive, said he was touched that “they worked so hard to save his life” and by Wilkins’ own struggle to survive.

The last time an Oakland police officer died in a situation involving the department was June 2, 1950. In that incident, Officer James Weir, 33, was killed when the ambulance he was riding in on the way to a robbery collided with a police car at an intersection.

Berlin declined to release the name of the auto theft suspect, but indicated that he may face more serious charges as a result of the fatal shooting of Wilkins.

Wilkins is survived by his wife, Kelly, William Randolph, his parents, a brother, Fernando Jr., and a sister.

Fernando Wilkins said the funeral for William will probably take place next Thursday.

Trust fund:
William Wilkins Jr., 8 mos. old
c/o Oakland POA
717 Washington St.
Oakland, CA 94607
Bank of the West account # 124009606

California Highway Patrol Officer Sean A. Nava, whose personal goal was to get drunks off the road, was struck and killed Thursday, Oct. 28, by a driver returning from a night of drinking in Tijuana, authorities reported.

An 11-year patrol veteran, Nava, 33, died after he was struck by a Toyota 4Runner driven by Christopher P. Merrick, 20, of Breckenridge, Colorado, according to CHP spokeswoman Teri Reese.

Reese stated that the circumstances of Nava’s death were ironic: “Nava worked the graveyard shift the majority of his career because his goal was to get impaired drivers off the highway.”

He had been investigating an earlier accident and was standing six feet away from traffic in the center median strip of Interstate 5 just north of Tamarack Avenue in Carlsbad at 6:13 a.m. when he was struck, Reese reported.

Reese said that Merrick continued driving, left the freeway and drove onto a nearby street where he was forced to stop because his vehicle’s windshield was smashed, the fender twisted and the hood crumpled.

Neighbors who were awakened by Merrick and his partner, James R. Smith Jr., 22, arguing, notified the Carlsbad police, who had been alerted to a nearby hit-and-run crash involving a similar vehicle and an officer.

A witness to the freeway accident identified Merrick whose blood alcohol level was in excess of .08. He was booked into the Vista jail on charges of manslaughter, felony hit-and-run driving and drunken driving. His passenger, Smith, was questioned and released. Among the more than 1,300 people attending funeral services on Wednesday, Nov. 1, at the Mission San Luis Rey, Serra Center, in Oceanside were Gov. Gray Davis, CHP Commissioner Dwight Helmick and law enforcement officers from as far away as Illinois, Tennessee and New York.

At the service Rev. William Kernan said of Nava, “Sean was a great blessing to those that knew and loved him.”

Officer Mike Kelley, who worked the overnight shift with Nava, shared memories of numerous times he glimpsed Nava’s goodness. He told the mourners that if Nava saw a homeless person while patrolling the highway, he would stop, help him to safety and then give him some money so he could eat.

Governor Davis told Nava’s wife, Melanie, that “all of California mourns with you.” He continued, saying that Nava served as a “soldier of decency” and was a hero in a time when heroes are few.

“When people ask you where have all the heroes gone, tell them the story of Sean Nava. To his core he was a police officer. It was his calling and it was in his blood. Like all his fellow law enforcement officers all across America, he embodied the best in our nation.” Nava was buried during a private service in Riverside.

Nava grew up in Oceanside where his family moved when he was one-year-old. He graduated from Oceanside High School and enlisted in the Army where he served as a military police officer in Germany. He joined the CHP after he was honorably discharged as a sergeant.

Nava met his wife, Melanie, at the CHP Academy in Sacramento where they were students. They married after graduation in 1989 and, after a stint in San Jose, joined the San Diego office in 1992 and transferred to Oceanside in 1997. Nava had recently been chosen to work on a special community outreach-policing program.

Reese described Nava as a “great individual and a devoted family man who was involved in his church. He was articulate and well educated, taking classes at California State University, San Marcos. He wasn’t just good at the technical side, he was the whole package, a wonderful team player.”

Nava was given a Spirit of Courage award by the San Diego Burn Institute for his act of heroism in trying to save a driver trapped in a burning vehicle in June 1999.

He recently graduated from the University of Phoenix and his friends described Nava as a financial wizard. Nava planned to help his fellow officers to make sure their futures were financially secure.

Gov. Davis concluded the service by saying “Sean Nava served us so we could be safe. He took risks so we could be safe today and all our tomorrows.”

His wife, Melanie, and children, Alexandria, 7, and Patrick, 4, survive Nava.

A memorial fund has been established to assist the Nava family. Donations may be made to: Officer Sean Nava Memorial Fund, c/o El Dorado Bank, 675 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008-2305.

Officer Gerald Silvestri, 37, described himself to his bicycle racing buddies as “the most deceptively fast, short, stocky bald guy” on two wheels, stated long-time friend Officer Mike Madden. Silvestri’s quick wit, along with his fierce loyalty and professionalism, will be missed most by his friends and fellow officers at the San Bernardino Police Department.

He was less than two hours into an overnight shift on Saturday, Oct. 14, when Silvestri heard a call for backup from another officer who had come across a suspected auto thief, possibly armed. He died when he lost control of his patrol car as he responded to the call and crashed into an oak tree. Nearby residents said they believed he swerved to avoid hitting something in the road. Skid marks showed the car’s path over the curb and into the tree.

Anthony Ulibarri, 40, a nearby resident, stated that he was one of three men who tried to pull Silvestri from the patrol car that was leaking gasoline. Silvestri didn’t respond to them, Ulibarri said. He continued, “I knew when we pulled him out that he would die. The car was crushed like a beer can.”

Police Lt. W.D. Smith stated that the incident needn’t have happened because the suspect that Silvestri wanted to help arrest was neither an auto thief nor armed. He said that the story of a stolen car had been embellished by someone as part of a domestic dispute.

Hundreds of officers from throughout California congregated at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Highland Friday, Oct. 20, to remember Silvestri as a fun-loving husband, father, brother and son, and as a serious, dedicated police officer.

Rev. Mike Urrea told the mourners that Silvestri was, “A person who exemplified what is a police officer. He was truly someone who cared.”

Police Chief Lee Dean told the group that “Gerald simply loved being a cop. He also loved sunflower seeds.”

State Attorney General Bill Lockyer also praised Silvestri. “At a time when duty and honor don’t receive the respect they have in previous generations, it’s satisfying and heartening to know there are those who feel a sense of pride the first time they pinned on the badge.”

Madden and Silvestri became friends eight years ago because of a shared passion for cycling. Silvestri rode 100 to 200 miles each week. At the time, Silvestri drove fuel tankers for a living. For fun, he rode along with Madden and others while they were on patrol.

Madden, who eventually recruited Silvestri, included in his eulogy funny and poignant recollections of their shared passion for bicycle racing. Silvestri, who was nicknamed G-money by his bicycling buddies because he was so fast in the sprints at the end of the races, won some medals at this year’s Police Olympics. Madden added that he was sure that Silvestri cheated somehow, as a gentle wave of laughter rippled through the audience.

Madden said that when he gave Silvestri grief about his smooth head, Silvestri explained that he just didn’t understand “the acrodynamic benefits of a shave head.”

Duane Anderson, Silvestri’s uncle, and Rick Silvestri, his brother, both pastors, recalled him as a comedian from the time he was tiny and also as athletic and competitive.

Anderson told the audience, “You want to know what Gerald was like – look at that boy running around,” pointing to Silvestri’s energetic 2-year-old son, Johnathan, who during the service played with a green and black ball.

When the service ended Johnathan knelt with his 5-year-old sister, Kathryn, in front of the large floral arrangement in front of theSilvestri’s casket. He plucked a few red flowers from the bouquet, turned around and handed them to his mother, Annie.

The Hillside Cemetery in Redlands was the location for the moving traditions of a police officer’s funeral – the meticulous folding of the American flag and its presentation to the widow; the plaintive strains of “Amazing Grace” played on a bag pipe; the three-volley crack of the 21-gun salute; and the playing of “Taps.”

Annie Silvestri pointed to the sky and told her daughter as three sheriff’s helicopters side-by-side approached the crowd, “That’s for your dad” as one helicopter peeled away from the group in the missing-man formation.

As the funeral ended, Pastor John Silvestri, with a proud smile, told members of the audience that his son “Was born a hero.”

In addition to his wife, Annie, and children, Johnathan and Kathryn, Silvestri is survived by his parents, John and Anita Silvestri.

Silvestri worked for the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department from May 1994 to January 1997 and joined the San Bernardino Police Department on January 28, 1997.

Donations may be made in Officer Gerald Silvestri’s name to: The Police Memorial Fund or the Officer’s Emergency Fund, San Bernardino POA, P.O. Box 2967, San Bernardino, CA 92406.

Officer Robert “Bobby Joe” Mata, 26, died Tuesday, Sept. 19, when his patrol car slammed into a light pole. Mata was responding to another officer’s call for assistance, and as he lay dying, 10 of his colleagues from Los Angeles Police Department lifted his patrol car off the ground and moved it in a futile effort to save him.

Sgt. John Pasqualo witnessed the frantic effort. “Ten cops literally lifted the wreckage and moved it,” he said. “It’s a very emotional experience for a police officer to see a black-and-white cracked up like that; unfortunately we’ve seen it too many times.”

Mata and his partner, Officer Sonny Patsenhann, were enroute to a back-up request from a fellow officer who was involved with a stolen vehicle investigation with a suspect. Mata lost control of his police vehicle on a curve and collided with a cement light post. Both Mata and Patsenhann were trapped.

Responding officers were able to remove Patsenhann through the passenger window but, unfortunately, it took the Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics an hour to cut the car s top off and extricate Mata. He talked with paramedics during the ordeal, but went into cardiac arrest as he was finally being pulled from the wreckage. Mata underwent two hours of surgery, but because of his injuries coupled with the length of time his heart had not beaten on its own, he was not able to overcome the trauma of the accident.

Patsenhann, who was injured in the crash, was treated and released from the hospital later the same day.

On Monday, Sept. 25, after his death Mata was lifted up by his colleagues one last time and carried to his grave. While a bagpipe wailed and his wife, Holly; his daughters, Kalei, 5, and Pi-Lani, 2; and his parents, Robert and Josephina Mata; watched in grief, eight uniformed pallbearers set down his flag-draped coffin on its gravesite. Kalei had just celebrated her fifth birthday the previous day.

Los Angeles Police Department’s chief, Bernard C. Parks, as well as hundreds of police officers from throughout California, stood at attention for the interment services at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, Mata’s native city.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Rowland Heights was the setting for funeral services honoring Mata. Colleagues choked back sobs as they described Mata as a man who was friendly to everyone, even gangbangers, and relished nothing more than a good joke. Mata’s supervisor, Sgt. Rick Plows recalled Mata looking “like hell” one day as a police inspector made his way down a line of otherwise impeccably turned-out cops. The inspector, stopping in front of Mata, demanded to know why his boots, among other things, looked so shabby. Mata replied, according to Plows, “Sir, it’s either polish for my boots or milk for my kids.”

Another incident that told about Mata was when he was investigating a theft. Something resembling a hand grenade came flying from the front door of the suspect’s house. As other members of the detail dived for cover, Mata discovered that the object was nothing more than a doorknob.

Officer Javier Arenado told the gathering, “Robert told me later that he wanted to smother the doorknob like a hero, but he didn’t want to get his uniform dirty.” Arenado continued, “You know, Bobby was always the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Arenado concluded his eulogy looking out at Mata’s widow, daughters and parents, and stating “We loved him, and we will never forget him,” barely able to speak through his tears.

Neighbors recalled Mata as a jovial, energetic man best known for walking barefoot, regardless of the weather. Neighbor and family friend, Tauribio Ramirez, said Mata “was such a good kid, and so careful about avoiding trouble. He never wanted to have anything to do with criminals or gang kids.”

Deputy city attorney, Elizabeth Greenwood, who worked with Mata for 18 months, said he received a commendation from the Los Angeles City Council in June. “It was for outstanding service in crime suppression and reclaiming the community,” she stated. “I’ll miss him. He was a sweet, quiet, outstanding police officer who dealt with everybody with honor and respect. A joy to be around.”

The funeral drew an overflow crowd of nearly 2,000 to the church to hear a Mass celebrated by Bishop Gambio Zavala and Msgr. Michael Killeen.

Msgr. Killeen told the mourners that Mata was “a surrogate for all men and women who are sworn to our defense.” He recalled the poignant circumstances of Mata’s death taking place enroute to helping a colleague. Killeen continued, “It can be said, truly, Bobby Joe Mata laid down his life for his friends. He was committed, he was filled with love, and I’m sure that memory will never be forgotten.”

As the Mass began, a hymn set the tone of the gathering. “I will lift you up,” the lyrics called out, and for Bobby Joe Mata, it seemed a fitting refrain.

Mata, a six-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Dept. who was assigned to the Harbor Special Enforcement Unit Gang Detail, was the fifth officer from the agency in three years to die in the line of duty.

Mata’s wife, Holly, is a recent graduate of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Academy.

A trust fund has been established for Officer Mata s children, donations may be sent to: The Robert Mata Blue Ribbon Trust, c/o Harbor Area Police Station, 2175 South John S. Gibson Blvd., San Pedro, CA 90731. Donations to the Blue Ribbon Trust are not tax-deductible. Tax-deductible donations in the name of Robert Mata, may be made to: The Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

On December 27, 1985, at approximately 10:05 p.m., Officer David Irwin was on duty, riding his departmental motorcycle westbound on Manchester Avenue and nearing the intersection of Broadway in the South Los Angeles area.

Officer Irwin was forced into a hard-braking sequence that resulted in him losing control of his motorcycle. He slid into the intersection, where he was struck by a northbound vehicle. The impact ejected Officer Irwin onto the pavement, where his motorcycle landed on top of him. These events caused him to sustain a deep brain bruise, skull fracture and three crushed vertebrae in his neck. He was paralyzed from the chest down and disability retired.

On September 18, 2000, Irwin was found deceased in his home. The forensic pathologist determined the cause of death as a complication of Officer Irwin’s paraplegia, due to the blunt force trauma he sustained in 1985.

The Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa was the setting June 29, where several thousand mourners honored Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy Steven Edward Parsons, who died June 24, from injuries suffered in a traffic collision.

Hundreds of police motorcycles were parked four abreast and dozens of rows deep outside the chapel in a silent tribute during the midmorning service. Their riders from police agencies throughout Southern California were inside remembering one of their own, the first Orange County Sheriff’s Department motorcycle officer to die in the line of duty. The officers were reminded anew of their vulnerability while piloting the two wheelers.

Parsons, 36, was mortally injured June 19, when a driver traveling 50 miles an hour ran a red light at an intersection in Aliso Viejo, striking his motorcycle and throwing him 60 feet through the air. He remained in a medically induced coma at Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center in Mission Viejo until June 24, when family members authorized doctors to remove him from life support.

Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona said, “Steve Parsons had done everything he possibly could,” adding that the father of two small children was “in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“Nobody could have expected entering an intersection 15 seconds after the light had gone green that someone could have run a red light,” Carona continued. “Every single day [cops] know something like this can happen. No matter how good they are, how hard they train. Something like this can happen.”

According to witnesses, Sylvia Steinhardt, 77, was driving about 40 mph in a 55 mph zone when she ran a red light and hit Parsons’ motorcycle. Authorities say Steinhardt apparently didn’t see the traffic signal and struck Parsons without slowing down. The accident remains under investigation and Steinhardt will not be charged until it is concluded.

Parsons’ wife, Kathy, told the press that she didn’t want any harm to come to the car’s driver. “I haven’t met her,” she said, “I don’t want her to be hurt in any way. She has her own thing to deal with.”

More than 400 neighbors, friends and colleagues honored Parsons at a Candlelight Vigil on June 28, at the Costeau Park in Laguna Hills. Speakers at the event included Lt. Rex Hatch, chief of Police Services; Mayor Joel Lautenschleger, and Sheriff-Coroner Mike Carona.

Friends and fellow officers recalled Parsons at the emotional funeral service on June 29, as a man who could be “goofy” at times, but also someone who was absolutely devoted to his family and a no-nonsense cop with a reputation for writing more than his share of tickets.

Sheriff Carona told the audience, “The first time I met Steve Parsons was for a traffic stop, then he writes me a citation,” as laughter echoed through the sanctuary.

Deputy Brian Hall, Parsons’ friend, explained why other motorcycle officers nicknamed Parsons the “Iceman” during a 20-minute eulogy. Hall said, “He wrote tickets, that’s what he did all day. Nobody got a break from Steve. He loved his job, but he loved his family first.”

Calvary Pastor Chuck Smith said the story prompted him to add that Parsons “gave a new meaning to ticket-master. Drawing from the message of Psalm 23, Smith said that Parsons, like David, “wielded a rod and staff as he was enduring to make that neighborhood [where he patrolled in Laguna Hills] the safest place to drive.”

Gov. Gray Davis called Parsons “a true California hero” in a letter read by Carona. He wrote that the officer’s memory must be honored “in a way that does justice to his life.”

Carona told the mourners that the highest honor Parsons could possibly earn came from his wife when she said he would be remembered not just as a great cop, but also as a great father.

Graveside services were held at the Pacific View Memorial Park where Parsons’ ashes were inurned.

Parsons began his career with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in October 1989, after completing his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Cal State Long Beach. In 1993 he earned a master’s degree in public administration. After graduating from the sheriff’s academy, Parsons worked at the Intake/Release Center.

In 1994 he was transferred to South Operations where he was assigned to patrol duty in Laguna Hills. Parsons became Long Beach’s first motorcycle officer in 1997. He was named “Laguna Hills’ Officer of the Year” in 1998.

In addition to his wife, Kathy; his daughter, Kelsey, 6; son, Nathan, 3; his parents and a sister survive Parsons.

A fund has been established to assist Parsons’ family. Contributions may be made to Deputy Steve Parsons, in care of the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs, 1314 West Fifth Street, Santa Ana, CA 92703.

While patrolling a “high concentration gang” area in a residential neighborhood in Long Beach on Saturday, April 29, two Long Beach police officers were shot with automatic weapons as a car drove past them. Police Chief Jerome Lance stated, “The officers were not making an arrest, serving a warrant, or answering another call at the time they were hit. They were just driving down the street.”

Officer Daryle W. Black, 33, was shot twice in the head and died the following day at a nearby hospital. Officer Rick Delfin, 41, was shot once in the head and leg.

The shots came from the passenger side as the patrol car was stopped. Neither officer was able to return fire. As the shots were being fired, Delfin, although seriously injured, immediately sped out of the area. The investigation revealed that approximately 15 AK-47 rounds were fired at the officers.

A resident of the area, a 45-year-old pregnant woman, was also struck several times by bullets that penetrated the walls of her home. She and her 7-month-old fetus survived.

During a gang sweep the previous night, officers were confronted with an armed subject, who was shot and killed. Lance stated that officers Black and Delfin were ambushed and were possibly the victims of a retaliatory attack by gang members.

On the morning of the memorial service held for Black, Ramon “Gumby” Sandoval Jr., 18, of Compton, was charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder in the shooting. Four other suspects were also charged.

During a memorial service held on Thursday, May 4, at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, thousands of law enforcement officers joined relatives in mourning Black.

Lance told the mourners, “Daryle was determined to make a difference with the youth of our community. He was a mountain of a man with a gentle heart. He liked to achieve a goal through hard work. He’s even been referred to as the Ritchie Cunningham of the department.”

One of Black’s coworkers, Officer Robert Knight, stated that he patterned himself after Black, and he tearfully recalled him commenting that Long Beach was Southern California’s best-kept secret.

Knight continued, “I think Daryle was wrong. He was Long Beach P.D.’s best-kept secret.”

Sgt. Robert Razo, Black’s immediate supervisor, told the gathering, “He was a man of honor and courtesy. He was not weighed down by negativity and doubt. If you were thinking about digging a hole to China, he’d be there to help you.”

Black’s older brother, Connell, during the eulogy told of Black’s commitment to policing. He stated, “My brother lived, breathed and died doing what he loved. Law enforcement took my brother over. It engulfed him. The time he put into it was truly amazing.

“I pray that you all have the same commitment.” He continued, “He raised the bar for you guys. I’m not saying this as his brother but as a friend.”

More than 1,000 officers formed a motorcade immediately after the funeral for a procession through downtown Long Beach to Brothers Mortuary from which Black’s body would be shipped to Michigan for interment.

Black, who was not married, was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He became an Orange County deputy sheriff in the late 1980s and worked in the main jail. He joined the Long Beach Police Department four years later, where he was assigned to the city’s gang unit about two years ago.

He developed an expertise in prison gangs, and became a source of information for other departments. Prior to joining the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Black served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a military police officer and attained the rank of corporal.

Black was the first officer shot to death in Long Beach in almost 25 years.

Donations may be made in Black’s memory to the Long Beach Youth Activities and D.A.R.E. Inc., Daryle Black Memorial Fund. Checks should be mailed to: Long Beach Police Dept., Youth Services Division, 1957 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90806. (D.A.R.E. tax identification number is 33-0342399.)

Officer Jeffrey L. Azuar, 50, one of Vallejo Police Department’s best-known and best-liked members, was fatally shot Wednesday, April 12, while trying to arrest Vallejo resident Joseph R. Teitgen, 34, on a felony warrant for grand theft.

Teitgen, who is recovering from a gunshot wound that he sustained during the confrontation, was arraigned in his hospital room. He was initially facing charges related to an alleged check-kiting scheme to save his carpet-laying business. He now faces charges of murder with two special circumstances, and two counts of attempted murder. He had prior convictions for felony grand theft.

Azuar received the call to assist in Teitgen’s arrest while he was filling in on an early shift. He and another officer were searching his home and found him hiding in a laundry room adjacent to the garage. There was a struggle, and police say Teitgen, who was high on methamphetamine, pulled out a gun and shot Azuar in the head. Teitgen was shot by a third officer as he attempted to escape out of a second floor bathroom window.

Close to 100 K-9 officers from around the state sat with their K-9 partners at their feet on Corbus Field at the Vallejo High School where funeral services were held for Azuar on Tuesday, April 18. They were a vivid reminder of how much he loved being a dog handler.

More than 4,000 local residents and law enforcement personnel filled the high school’s track field to grieve and pay their last respects to the beloved police officer slain in the line of duty. Friends say Azuar was deeply connected to his community, recognized by children from his many visits to schools with his dogs, a friend to his neighbors and a true community police officer who befriended local business owners and who would return weeks after an initial call to check up on people he had helped.

Rev. Keith DeVries told the gathering, “Jeff’s life and involvement in the community has literally touched thousands over the years.” Cpl. James O’Connell, one of the pallbearers, said, “He was so proud to be a police officer. He had this badge and he shined it so much he wore away the writing, and the chief had to order him a new one.”

Azuar’s daughter, Amanda, 25, wrote a poem, which was read at the service by family friend, Dannea Aronsen.

“To protect and serve, that is why you lived, you brought courage and honor to the badge you wore – you couldn’t have wanted anything more.” Vallejo Police Department’s chief, Bob Nichelini, told the crowd, “Jeff was truly a police officer’s police officer. He was just one great guy.”

Speeches were made, poems read, stories told and tears were shed. A close friend of Azuar, Capt. Al Lehman, put the event in perspective with his eulogy. His first words – “City of Vallejo, you have a hometown hero here.” During his speech, he shared with the crowd what his granddaughter told her mom upon hearing that Azuar had died: “Jeff and Rondo are together again.” Rondo was Azuar’s first K-9 partner.

The ceremony ended with seven police helicopters flying overhead in Missing Man formation and nine doves being released. The doves followed the path of the lone helicopter. Capt. Tom Hauser played the bagpipes while the American flag was ceremoniously folded and Chief Nichelini handed it to Azuar’s daughter. A badge with his badge number was then placed around Azuar’s K-9 partner, A.J.’s, neck.

After the service, hundreds of police cars, fire trucks and ambulances from around the state snaked through Vallejo toward the Skyview Memorial Cemetery where the interment took place.

Azuar, who had been a member of Vallejo P.D. for 21 years, had worked in patrol and narcotics and on the SWAT team until 1993, when he became an officer in the canine unit. His first police dog, Rondo, an 8-year-old German shepherd who had been his partner for 4 ½ years, was stabbed to death in July 1997 by a suspect in a hit-and-run accident. The dog died in Azuar’s arms.

Azuar participated in the K-9 Police Olympics placing third in his division. He and his K-9s were known throughout the City of Vallejo and known for their visits to the schools and organizations throughout Solano County. He was also known throughout the department and community for his cooking and the social events that were hosted by him including his Christmas and 4th of July parties given for the past 20 years.

Azuar is the first Vallejo officer to have died in the line of duty since 1966, when two officers, Calvin C. Thacker and William L. Easson Jr., were killed during a traffic stop.

He was born and raised in Vallejo. Besides his daughter, Amanda, he leaves behind his granddaughter, Ashlee, and father, Joseph, all Vallejo residents. Azuar was preceded in death by his mother, Connie, and his brother, Dennis.

The Vallejo Police Officers’ Association has set up a scholarship fund for Azuar’s 6-month-old granddaughter, Ashlee Geller. Donations may be made to the Ashlee Geller Scholarship Fund care of the Vallejo Police Officers’ Association, P.O. Box 4218, 301 Wallace Street, Vallejo, CA 94591.

Ofc. Louis Villalobos, 52, died March 18 from injuries he incurred when he slipped and fell off of a 10-foot catwalk during training exercises as a member of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Metropolitan Division, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team. Villalobos was taking advanced training at the U.S. Marine Base, Camp Pendleton, observing a live-fire drill at a “shooting house.”

He was about to take a seat on a catwalk, when he apparently reached back to brace himself, lost his balance and fell. He sustained serious head trauma. Chief Bernard Parks stated, “This is a tragic accident. I have known Officer Villalobos for many years. He represented everything that was good about our Department, and he will be greatly missed.”

Villalobos, a 30-year member of the department, joined the elite SWAT unit in 1983. He was a highly regarded peer leader. For the last10 years, he held the rank of assistant squad leader, and was six months away from retirement.

Hundreds of law enforcement personnel from throughout California gathered for services for Villalobos, that were held on March 24, at the Rolling Hills Covenant Church in Rolling Hills Estates followed by interment at the Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes.

Fellow Officer Stuart Guidry told the group, “You would know at first glance there was something special about him. He possessed unbelievable skill and knowledge, and had the body of an Olympic athlete. But he was also a man who carried himself with a sincere humility. He was the best of the best.”

Villalobos’ colleagues described him as a guy they sought out for guidance, someone who made time for anyone of any rank, someone Chief Parks himself frequently went out of his way to acknowledge.

Mayor Richard Riordan said, “The Reader’s Digest used to have a series about ‘The Most Unforgettable People I’ve Met. At the top of my list would be Lou Villalobos.’ Mike Downey of the L.A. Times wrote, “Of all the ways to lose him – literally a fallen hero.”

Villalobos, born in Sacramento, attended Christian Brothers and Bishop Armstrong high schools. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1964, where he trained as a radio-telephone operator and Naval gunfire spotter. He served two years in Vietnam, where he was awarded a Silver Star for bravery in battle during the Tet offensive. He was honorably discharged in December 1969 as a sergeant.

Graduating in the top half of his Los Angeles Police Academy class in December 1970, Villalobos went on to patrol duties in the 77th Street Area. Shortly after he started patrol duties, the department received a letter from grateful citizens thanking Villalobos and his partner for having a long talk with their unruly teenaged daughter. The parents credited them with making a difference in their daughter’s life and helping her to turn around.

Following 11 years of well-rounded, often commended police work, Villalobos was accepted into Metropolitan Division. After two years of dedicated performance in crime suppression work, he was selected as a member of the SWAT platoon. Villalobos, from 1983 until the present, was a part of practically every high-profile incident that the LAPD SWAT Team became involved in. He was awarded the following LAPD medals during his tour with SWAT: The Police Meritorious Unit Citation Medal, for SWAT’s overall service to the people of the City of Los Angeles, in 1984; the Police Star Medal, for his actions in a barricaded suspect incident at a law office in Century City, in 1988; and the Police Commission Unit Citation Medal, for actions in response to the LAX-Rainbow Man barricaded suspect / hostage / bomb incident, in 1992. Another Police Meritorious Unit Citation Medal was presented to him for his actions as a SWAT team member in the North Hollywood – Bank of America shoot-out aftermath in February 1997. And finally, last September, Villalobos received the department’s highest award for individual heroism, the Medal of Valor, for his actions in the rescue of an ambushed and mortally wounded Glendale Police Department detective in May of 1997.

The Medal of Valor is the highest award the department bestows upon its officers who have distinguished themselves by acts of heroism and bravery above and beyond the normal demands of police service.

His fellow SWAT officers regarded Villalobos as the “best of the best.” He was a dedicated SWAT instructor, training outside law enforcement special weapons teams and even some military units in need of learning hostage rescue techniques.

His daughters, Stephanie, Christina, and Samantha, 8; his son, Jacob, 7; his parents, Louis and, Abeline; and his sister, Irene, survive Villalobos. A trust fund has been established for Villalobos’ two minor children. Donations may be sent to: The Lou Villalobos Blue Ribbon Trust Account, c/o LAPD Metropolitan Division, 251 East Sixth Street, #221, Los Angeles, CA 90014.

Officer Russell M. Miller Sr., a 12-year veteran of the Chino Police Department, became the department’s first officer to die in the line of duty Tuesday, Feb. 1, when a drunk driver struck him as he stopped another motorist for a traffic violation.

Miller, the father of three, died of internal injuries he sustained when he was hit during the early morning traffic stop.

He had stopped a pickup truck for a minor traffic offense and was walking toward the vehicle when a 1999 Chevy Suburban, driven by 21-year-old Joseph John Martinez, came up from behind, smashing into his patrol car and striking Miller, tossing him into the bed of the stopped pickup.

Martinez did not stop after hitting Miller, but was arrested less than 15 minutes after the accident, when he slammed into a light pole and signpost, knocking a wheel off his pickup. Residents from the area, awakened by the commotion caused by the accident, detained him when he tried to drive away on the axle. He was later found to allegedly have a blood-alcohol level of 0.17, more than twice the legal limit for drivers in California.

The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed second-degree murder charges against Martinez. In addition, charges of gross vehicular manslaughter and felony hit and run were also filed. He was arraigned in Chino Superior Court and a bail of $1 million was set. Martinez was held to answer all charges and a trial date has been set for the first week of May in Rancho Cucamonga.

Chief Gene Hernandez stated, “Miller was an officer who was well liked, well respected.” He added that he was older than most field officers and brought a sense of maturity to the department. “He was a very stabilizing force in a rather youthful patrol unit. He loved people and he loved life.” Miller, a field-training officer, was also part of the department’s Mounted Enforcement Team.

The St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Chino Hills was packed with law enforcement officers for Miller’s Mass of Christian burial on Monday, Feb. 7. Law enforcement personnel came from throughout California; and as far distant as Idaho and Utah.

The ceremony was punctuated by both tears and laughter as Miller’s colleagues recalled the man they knew, recounting his immense love for his family, and his skill as a police officer.

At the funeral service Fr. Mike Maher spoke of the officer who survived being accidentally shot with a hunting rifle when he was 17, who spent six years in Vietnam, and who survived a problem with blood clots five years ago – only to fall in the line of duty.

Chief Gene Hernandez said in his eulogy, “We know we go to work for others, not for ourselves. God handpicked Officer Miller . . . God has told us that he served his time. Take time to remember Officer Miller for what he was – a chosen protector.”

Chino Deputy District Attorney Michael Libutti, referring to Miller, stated “He always said he liked spending time with his kids and how important that was to him. He worked traffic cases and he was just a great guy. He was very competent and took his work seriously.”

At the end of the funeral service, one of Miller’s daughters, Melissa, released a white dove in a symbolic release of her father. The dove was joined by 20 others in a formation that flew briefly over the nearby lake, and then departed.

Upon graduating from Magnolia High School in Anaheim in 1967, Miller joined the Navy, where he served six years at the height of the Vietnam War. After being discharged he held a series of jobs working as a welder, truck driver and construction worker before he convinced his wife Stephanie to let him apply to become a police officer. He graduated from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Academy on Feb. 5, 1988.

Miller became involved in family and community activities after his three children were born. He coached Little League and helped out with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corps that his son, Russell Jr., belonged to.

He and his wife recently purchased 20 acres in Montana and were looking forward to retirement in about six years. Ofc. Steve Hopsiter, a close friend and coworker, said that Miller had brought a brochure to work about a month ago that pictured the log cabin he and his wife planned to build for their retirement home.

Hopsiter, who also purchased acreage in Montana and had planned to retire when Miller did, continued, “This was not part of the plan. I know for a fact he was not ready to go now. He had longevity in his family. He was planning to spend 20 years in Montana with Stephanie.”

Although Miller was the first in the modern history of Chino to lose his life in the line of duty, he was the third to die in the 113-year history of the community and the second in Chino since the city was incorporated in 1910.

Miller is survived by his wife, Stephanie; daughters, Melissa Endecott, 20, and Sarah, 19; son, Russell Jr., 15; parents, Donald and Lottie Miller of Oregon; sisters, Theresa Eakins and Diane Miller, both of Oregon; and a brother, Gregory Miller of Highland.

The Chino Police Association has established a memorial fund for the Miller family. Checks should be made payable to The Russell M. Miller Memorial Fund and mailed to the Chino Police Association, P.O. Box 2557, Chino, CA 91708.