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Remembering Downey Police Officer Ricky Galvez

Friends, colleagues and members of Southern California law enforcement agencies express their grief over the shooting death of Downey Officer Ricky Galvez

Five-year Downey Police Department Officer Ricky Galvez was shot and killed Wednesday night in a police department parking lot. Investigators called the shooting a botched robbery attempt.

Galvez, 29, joined the department in 2006 as a police aide. He was hired as a police officer with the department in March 2010.

Galvez also served two tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Below are comments about the officer from his colleagues, friends and other members of the community.

"Ricky was an outstanding person, outstanding police officer. If you could mold a police officer, you would mold him after Officer Galvez. He loved serving his city, he loved serving his country. He had an infectious smile, great attitude."
--Lt. Mark McDaniel, Downey Police Department

"One of Downey's finest was shot and killed. He was a tremendous young man. His smile and professionalism were always on display. Words cannot express the love we have for Ricky."
--Downey Police Chief Carl Charles

"Today is a sad day for Downey and a sad day in my district. Late last night, in a cowardly, unprovoked attack, we lost Downey police officer Ricky Galvez. As a Marine veteran and a dedicated police officer, Ricky Galvez served our community as a selfless public servant and his tragic loss is felt today not only by the city Downey, but by all Californians."
--Assemblymember Cristina Garcia, 58th District

"He was full of life, and he was her not only to serve his country, but his community."
--Eleazar Aguilar, served with Galvez in military

"He was a straight away guy, very family oriented, a great person, very humble. It's a shame."
--Ismael Rosas, friend

"Every day, the brave men and women of our Downey Police Department put themselves at personal risk to keep us all safe. We are incredibly sorrowed at the loss of Officer Galvez and our thoughts and prayers are with all who knew and loved him."
--Downey Mayor Luis H. Marquez

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