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Incident
Police Officer Ricky Galvez was shot and killed from ambush while he sat in his vehicle in the Downey Police Department's parking lot at approximately 11:00 pm.
Officer Galvez was preparing to go off duty when he was approached by three suspects. One of the suspects fired into Officer Galvez's car, fatally wounding him. Another officer who was nearby heard the shots and pursued the subjects into the neighboring city of Montebello, where they bailed out of their vehicle, fled on foot, and escaped.
The three suspects were apprehended the next day and charged with murder. The shooter received 50 years to life for first-degree murder. The 2nd suspect received 30 years to life for second-degree murder. The third suspect, who was 16, brokered a deal and will be released when he is 25.
Officer Galvez was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Downey Police Department for five years.
Officer Galvez was preparing to go off duty when he was approached by three suspects. One of the suspects fired into Officer Galvez's car, fatally wounding him. Another officer who was nearby heard the shots and pursued the subjects into the neighboring city of Montebello, where they bailed out of their vehicle, fled on foot, and escaped.
Officer Galvez was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Downey Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He is survived by his mother, brother, and sisters.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Marine Corps. One record, 2 gates. Ricardo is one person.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Police Officer Galvez gave the Downey Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Downey community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Ricardo Galvez served in the U.S. Marine Corps before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Downey Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Ricardo is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Ricardo is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Ricardo is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2015, 5 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 82nd heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 2015, 60 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 126th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2015, 63 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 126th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Ricardo was 29. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. Ricardo had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Ricardo was 29. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Ricardo had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Ricardo was 29. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Ricardo had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 11.8%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Downey Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 7.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Downey Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Ricardo among them.
Where
Military Service
Ricardo Galvez served in the U.S. Marine Corps before joining law enforcement.
Visit Ricardo Galvez’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 50-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Downey Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
