The siren shouted along Ramona Boulevard in Baldwin Park, as police officers across the area gathered Friday to mourn one of them.
In honor of Samuel Riveros, the officer killed in a gunfight last weekend, hundreds of residents and officers surrounded the extensive arrangement of blue and white flowers formed in the heart and cross of the Baldwin Park Police Department. Family, friends and locals sometimes stood solemnly and sometimes cried silently when law enforcement officials spoke about Riverros’ work and presence in the community.
Riveros, 35, is her husband – he married a childhood friend – a father of two children. Police Chief Robert Lopez said he served as a member of the Baldwin Park SWAT team for nearly 10 years and served as a training officer. Friends and colleagues recalled that he was a ski enthusiast and often attended concerts.
Manuel Soto held candles Friday during a vigil of fallen police officer Samuel Riveros at the Baldwin Park Police Department.
(Luke Johnson/Los Angeles Times)
A picture of Riveros smiling in his police uniform is in front of the stage, decorated in the colors of his favorite team, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“Sam left a hole in our hearts that will never be filled,” his mother, Lily Riveros, said in a written remark made by his sister. “He took some time to figure out that he could do better, and in turn, he would encourage the people he worked with to do the same.”
“We can’t wait until we reunite with Sammy,” she added.
On May 31, Baldwin Park officials Anthony Pimentel and Alfredo Leal responded to reports of the shooting in the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue. Neighbors and law enforcement officers told The Times that 22-year-old resident Eduardo Medina-Berumen allegedly shot and killed Darius Wong, 43, after a parking dispute. However, it is not clear whether Wong is involved in the dispute.
Medina-Berum allegedly had a gunfight with the arrival of the officers. According to the Los Angeles County District, Riverros ran toward the gunfire to help his fellow countrymen and shot deadly. Atti. Nathan Hochman. Pimentel suffered minor injuries and was temporarily hospitalized.
Riveros' high school friend Akeem Haim said his death was not surprised. The commitment to duty is his lifelong trait.
“That's why he wasn't surprised to be an officer,” Heim said. “That's what Sam would do… They said he didn't hesitate, I believe them because he didn't hesitate when he wanted to help me.”
Baldwin Park Mayor Alejandra Avila said in a tearful speech that Riverros is an active and influential community member who supports multiple youth programs.
“I work in our preschool. He comes over with other members of our other great police stations, sounds siren, radiates stickers and sings,” Avila said. “His interaction with the community…is amazing.”
In the emotional display, officers and crowds cheered: “Let's go, Sammy!” – Like you hear in the Dodgers game.
Firefighters held the American flag between two ladder trucks before the vigil in Samuel Riveros on Friday.
(Luke Johnson/Los Angeles Times)
Many community members and officials have demonstrated Riverros’ commitment to the community.
“It’s crazy to see all these people here,” said childhood friend Eric Esquivel. “All of these guys come here to Sammy because they really know and love him.”
Lopez said that although he was sad about the losses of one officer and the injuries of another officer, he admired their sacrifice.
“There was a man falling down and Sam or other respondents were rushing to endanger the harm without hesitation,” Lopez said.
Medina – Pennsylvania is charged with two counts of special circumstances murder, two counts of attempted murder of a peace officer and one count of possession of an assault weapon. If charged, he will face a life sentence that may not be parole. Prosecutors also have the option to seek the death penalty.
In an interview with The Times the day after taking office in December, Hawkman said that “the cold-blooded assassination of the police” could guarantee the death penalty. However, in this case, the decision has not been made.
Rev. Elmer Jackson, pastor of the Baldwin Park Police Department, said that while Riveros’ losses were “destructive” to the department, it brought about a sense of unity between officials and the community.
“It brings our community to this tragedy,” Jackson said. “It brings our police department together. So, despite this, it all brings some benefits.”
As the vigil's speech came to, a police helicopter hovered overhead. Dozens of prayer candles spread the fields behind the department.
