Roll of Honor
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
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-80748C1A- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Police Officer Ricardo Galvez is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In CA, 974 of 1,837 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53% of this state's fallen. That is 53 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Downey Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ricardo Galvez's cause is highlighted.
How Ricardo Galvez Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ricardo Galvez is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ricardo Galvez was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
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.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Downey Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
