[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 148 (Monday, November 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1901]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  TRIBUTE TO OFFICER RYAN P. BONAMINIO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 15, 2010

  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a hero from my 
congressional district, Ryan P. Bonaminio, a Riverside Police Officer 
and Army veteran. Today I ask that the House of Representatives honor 
and remember this incredible man who died in the line of duty while 
serving and protecting his community.
  On Sunday, November 7, 2010, Ryan was shot after pursuing a driver of 
a stolen vehicle, and who was also suspected of a hit-and-run in 
downtown Riverside. Bonaminio became the first City of Riverside police 
officer to die in the line of duty in ten years. He was two weeks shy 
of his 28th birthday.
  Officer Ryan Bonaminio was born in Riverside, California on November 
25, 1982. He is survived by his parents, Joseph and Geraldine 
Bonaminio, along with his brother Christopher and sister Nicole. After 
graduating from Ramona High School in 2000 he joined the U.S. Army. He 
served with the 314th Military Police and served in Kuwait City, 
Baghdad, Mosul and Umm Qasr in southern Iraq. He also served in the 
282nd Base Support Battalion in Hohenfels, Germany. After his honorable 
discharge from the Army, Ryan returned to Riverside and joined the 
Riverside Police Department on July 7, 2006, and graduated from the San 
Bernardino County Sheriffs Academy on December 21, 2006.
  Bonaminio served both in the military and in the police force with 
honor and distinction, and was praised by his peers and supervisors on 
many occasions. For his outstanding service he had been awarded several 
medals, including the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service 
Medal, Army Reserve Mobilization Medal, Global War on Terrorism 
Expeditionary Medal, Army Reserve Overseas Training Ribbon, Army 
Reserve Components Achievement Medal, and earned his Expert 
Qualification Badge-9mm pistol.
  Friends and family of Officer Bonaminio describe his constant smile 
and generous heart. His actions on November 7th demonstrate that he was 
a brave young man who was unwavering in his dedication to protect the 
community. It is a sad irony to think that Ryan survived overseas 
fighting for our country on foreign soil, only to come home and be 
fatally wounded protecting his home community.
  The day the Bonaminio family learned of their son and brother's death 
was probably the hardest day they have ever faced and our thoughts, 
prayers go out to them. They have our deepest gratitude for their 
sacrifice and Ryan's service to our nation. There are no words that can 
relieve their pain and what words we can offer only just begin to 
convey our deep respect and highest appreciation.
  The dangers our police officers face every day often go unnoticed and 
without remark. Officer Bonaminio's death is a stark reminder of the 
very real threats that police officers face on a daily basis protecting 
us and our communities. We will never know what Officer Bonaminio's 
future would have been but our world is certainly less bright without 
him in it. We all share in the loss of such a promising, courageous and 
truly remarkable young man. The goodness Officer Bonaminio brought to 
this world and the sacrifice he has made, will never be forgotten.

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