[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 11 (Wednesday, January 20, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   REMEMBERING OFFICER RICARDO GALVEZ

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I ask my colleagues to join me in 
honoring the life of Downey police officer Ricardo Galvez, a devoted 
son and brother who was tragically killed in the line of duty on 
November 19, 2015.
  Officer Galvez was born on April 2, 1986, and grew up in Whittier, 
CA. In 2006, he joined the Downey Police Department as a police aide 
and 2 years later decided to serve his country by joining the U.S. 
Marine Corps as a Reservist. After bravely serving in Iraq, Officer 
Galvez returned to Downey and became a police officer in 2010. He 
deployed again in December 2012 to Afghanistan during Operation 
Enduring Freedom.
  Those who knew Officer Galvez fondly remember him as a caring man 
with an infectious smile, a person of great humility and kindness, and 
a trusted colleague and friend who was committed to his family and 
career.
  The U.S. Marine Corps' motto, Semper Fidelis, is Latin for ``always 
faithful'' and truly embodied Officer Ricardo Galvez. He dedicated his 
entire adult life to public service, unwavering in his commitment to 
defend Americans abroad and safeguard his community at home. His 
devoted and courageous service earned the respect and affection of the 
colleagues he worked alongside, the community he served, and the family 
and friends he loved. He will be deeply missed.
  On behalf of the people of California, for whom he served so bravely, 
I extend my gratitude and deepest sympathies to Ricardo's mother, 
Margarita; brother, Pedro; sisters, Nancy and Sandra; and his entire 
extended family.

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