Baldwin Park mourns slain police officer at candlelight vigil

Sirens blared alongside Ramona Boulevard in Baldwin Park as cops from all through the area gathered Friday to mourn one in every of their very own.

In remembrance of Officer Samuel Riveros, who was killed in a shootout final weekend, a whole bunch of residents and officers surrounded an expansive association of blue and white flowers original into the form of hearts and crosses on the Baldwin Park Police Division. Household, buddies and locals stood solemnly and at instances silently wept as legislation enforcement officers spoke of Riveros’ work and presence locally.

Riveros, 35, was a husband — he married a childhood pal — and father of two. He served for almost 10 years as a member of Baldwin Park’s SWAT staff and in addition labored as a coaching officer, in line with Police Chief Robert Lopez. He was a snowboarding fanatic and infrequently attended live shows, buddies and colleagues recalled.

A photograph of Riveros smiling in his police uniform was on the entrance of the stage, which was embellished within the colours of his favourite staff, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“Sam leaves behind a gap in our hearts that can by no means be crammed on this life,” his mom, Lily Riveros, stated in written remarks that have been delivered by his sister. “He took the time to determine what he may do higher and he would, in flip, encourage these he labored with to do the identical.”

“We will’t wait till we’re reunited with Sammy,” she added.

On Could 31, Baldwin Park Officers Anthony Pimentel and Alfredo Leal responded to experiences of a taking pictures within the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue. Eduardo Medina-Berumen, a 22-year-old resident, allegedly shot and killed Darius Wong, 43, following a parking dispute, neighbors and legislation enforcement officers instructed The Instances. It’s nonetheless unclear, nevertheless, whether or not Wong was concerned within the dispute.

Medina-Berumen then allegedly engaged in a shootout with arriving officers. Riveros ran towards the gunfire to help his fellow officers and was fatally shot, in line with Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman. Pimentel suffered minor accidents and was briefly hospitalized.

Akeem Haim, a highschool pal of Riveros, stated he was not stunned by the circumstances of his demise. Dedication to obligation was one his lifelong traits.

“That’s why I wasn’t stunned that he turned an officer,” Haim stated. “That’s what Sam would do … They are saying he didn’t hesitate, and I imagine them, as a result of when he needed to assist me, he didn’t hesitate.”

Baldwin Park Mayor Alejandra Avila stated in a tearful speech that Riveros was an lively and impactful neighborhood member who supported a number of youth initiatives.

“I work at our preschool. He came to visit with the remainder of our nice Police Division, sounding the sirens, passing out stickers and singing,” Avila stated. “The interactions he had with the neighborhood… have been superb.”

In an emotional show, officers and the group sounded cheers of, “Let’s go, Sammy!” — in a cadence very like you’d hear at a Dodgers sport.

Firefighters increase an American flag between two ladder vehicles earlier than the vigil for Samuel Riveros on Friday.

(Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Instances)

Many neighborhood members and officers attested to Riveros’ dedication to the neighborhood.

“Seeing all these individuals right here, it’s loopy,” stated Eric Esquivel, a childhood pal. “All of those individuals got here right here for Sammy as a result of they actually knew and beloved him.”

Lopez stated that whereas he grieved the lack of one officer and harm of one other, he admired them for his or her sacrifice.

“There was an individual down and there was no hesitation in any respect by Sam or the opposite responding officer to hurry into hurt’s method,” Lopez stated.

Medina-Berumen is charged with two counts of homicide with particular circumstances, two counts of tried homicide of a peace officer and one depend of possession of an assault weapon. If convicted as charged, he faces a potential sentence of life with out parole. Prosecutors may additionally elect to hunt the demise penalty.

In an interview with The Instances a day after he took workplace in December, Hochman stated the “cold-blooded assassination of a police officer” may warrant pursuit of the demise penalty. Nonetheless that call has not but been made on this case.

Pastor Elmer Jackson, a chaplain for the Baldwin Park Police Division, stated that whereas Riveros’ loss was “devastating” for the division, it has introduced a renewed sense of unity amongst officers and the neighborhood.

“It has introduced our neighborhood along with this tragedy,” Jackson stated. “It introduced our police division collectively. So regardless of the whole lot, one thing good comes out of this.”

As speeches on the vigil concluded, a police helicopter circled overhead. Dozens of prayer candles dotted the sector behind the division.