Downey adds Ricky Galvez's name to fallen officer memorial

Margarita Galvez, the mother of fallen Downey police officer Ricky Galvez, places flowers at the fallen officer memorial outside the Downey police station. Photo by Eric Pierce

DOWNEY – Downey Police Department, city officials and community members gathered in front of City Hall Wednesday morning to honor Officer Ricardo “Ricky” Galvez with a plaque on Downey’s Fallen Officer Memorial. 

The ceremony took place early in the morning Nov. 16, nearly a year to the day after officer Galvez was mortally wounded in what officials have called a botched robbery attempt. Galvez was 29.

Galvez now joins Officer Wayne Presley on the memorial, stationed just outside of the City Hall and Police Station doors. 

“Although by its very nature this is a solemn occasion, it is also a prideful day as we pay our final honors by adding Officer Ricardo ‘Ricky’ Galvez to the Downey Fallen Officers Memorial,” said DPD Chief Carl Charles. “His legacy is one of love and caring for others. I hope and pray that we will never see another name added to this memorial.”

The plaque was unveiled by Mayor Alex Saab, and Council Members Roger Brossmer and Sean Ashton. 

“As we add the memorial plaque this morning to the city’s Fallen Officer Memorial, let us never forget the sacrifice and commitment that all of our brave men and women of our department do every day for us,” said Saab. “…This past year was very difficult for our city; not just the Downey Police Department, but all the residents as well. We saw tragedies in Dallas, New York, San Francisco, and in cities across the country. However, as in most cases, we in Downey never thought it would happen to us. 

"In the aftermath of such a devastating loss, our city rose together…let us not focus on how Ricky died, but let us focus on how he lived – a model officer, a son, a brother, and a friend.” 

California Senator Tony Mendoza also spoke, unveiling a highway sign that will be dedicated on the 5 freeway later this week. 

“Officer Galvez exemplified the qualities that we all hope to impart on our children,” said Mendoza. “He was a selfless and giving man. A man of duty.  A man of honor…for a man of so few years, he has made an incredible and unforgettable impact on the lives of so many.”