Family, friends and colleagues remembered Downey police Officer Ricardo Galvez as a humble man with an infectious personality at a funeral service on Monday.
The 29-year-old former U.S. Marine was honored at a 9 a.m. service at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles. The service was followed by a graveside salute with full police honors at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier.
Downey Mayor Luis Marquez shared his sympathy with family members, describing Galvez as a positive influence on the Downey community.
"The world lost a caring individual and a hero," said Marquez. "We are so blessed to have been the beneficiaries of his service."
On Nov. 18, Galvez was was gunned down during an apparent botched robbery while sitting in his parked car outside the Downey Police station. Galvez had just returned from a training program and was not wearing his uniform when he was shot, according to Downey police.
Police Chief Carl Charles described Galvez as a compassionate and humble man with a "smile that would light up a room."
"Today we will not dwell on the circumstances that surrounded his death. Instead we will focus on celebrating his life," said Charles. "[Galvez] left a legacy of love and caring for for others."
Galvez, joined the department in 2006 as a police aide. He was hired as a police officer with the department in March 2010.
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Three suspects in connection to the shooting are now in custody, including a 16-year-old Abel Diaz who has been charged as an adult with one count of murder.
Steven Knott, 18, and Jeremy Anthony Alvarez, 21, were also arrested. Their arraignment has been postponed until Dec. 17.
A number of streets were closed to traffic near the cathedral for the service Monday.
A rosary and viewing for Galvez was held Sunday at the Downey Civic Theatre.
