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
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"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
Downey morns the loss of Officer Ricardo Galvez, who was tragically shot & killed around 11 p.m. Wednesday evening. pic.twitter.com/NATkz6egPK — Downey PD (@DowneyPolice) November 19, 2015
.@DowneyPolice we are here when you need us, just a city away. #RIPOfficerGalvez #thinblueline pic.twitter.com/2vdAH1iHIb — Montebello PD (@MontebelloPD) November 19, 2015
Saddened to learn of the loss of Officer Ricardo Galvez. #LAPD brothers & sisters mourn alongside @DowneyPolice #RIP pic.twitter.com/s7YwhTVacF — Chief Charlie Beck (@LAPDChiefBeck) November 19, 2015
We are mourning the loss of another LE brother, @DowneyPolice Officer Ricky Galvez. #OfficerDown #weseeyou pic.twitter.com/mEEBdkK6fo — LA County Sheriff's (@LASDHQ) November 19, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the @DowneyPolice Dept., family, & friends of Officer Ricardo "Ricky" Galvez. https://t.co/bgtcnDwNv2 — Ventura Co. Sheriff (@VENTURASHERIFF) November 19, 2015
Heavy hearts this morning for @DowneyPolice Ofc. Ricardo "Ricky" Galvez killed last night. We stand together #eow pic.twitter.com/aJ3fSYkAG6 — Cal Fish & Wildlife (@CaliforniaDFW) November 19, 2015