Family, Colleagues Gather To Honor Slain Downey Police Officer
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com/AP) — Hundreds paid their respects at the funeral of a 29-year-old Downey police officer Monday who was killed in an apparent botched robbery.
The service for Ricardo "Ricky" Gálvez -- a five year veteran dog trainer for the police department's K-9 unit and a Marine who served in Iraq and Afghanistan -- was held this morning at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles.
During the funeral, Chief Carl Charles recalled how Gálvez was known for his acts of kindness.
"Ricky had a personality that was infectious," Charles said. "He had a smile that would light up the room. Others were naturally drawn to him."
Officers from around Southern California, along with New York and Chicago, attended the service.
Eight dogs were brought to the funeral, where their leashes were removed and tied to Gálvez's casket.
Authorities then escorted their fallen colleague to Whittier where he was laid to rest.
According to Metro, bus lines were being detoured during the funeral.
On Sunday, a viewing a rosary service was held at 5 p.m. at the Downey Civic Center.
According to the Downey Police Department, Gálvez was shot and killed on Nov. 18 while he sat in his parked car near the police station.
Abel Diaz, 16, has been charged as an adult with murder. His bail has been set at $1 million.
Steven Knott, 18, and Jeremy Anthony Alvarez, 21, were also arrested in connection with the deadly shooting. Their arraignment has been postponed until Dec. 17.
Diaz, Knott and Alvarez have been charged with one count each of special circumstance murder and one count of attempted second-degree robbery.
If convicted as charged, Knott and Alvarez could face the death penalty. Diaz faces up to life in state prison due to his age.
Detectives said the three suspects are accused of approaching Gálvez's vehicle and opening fire. They attempted to rob him, but were unaware that he was an officer.
A handgun believed to have been used in the murder was recovered at the scene.
The motive for the shooting remains under investigation.
Gálvez is survived by his mother, a brother, two sisters and his police department family.
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