BALDWIN PARK, CA – Within days of his death, a fundraiser for fallen Officer Samuel Riveros has nearly reached its goal of $50,000. Officer Riveros was gunned down by a rifle-wielding man who injured another officer and killed an innocent victim over an alleged parking situation.
The fundraiser for Officer Riveros was started by the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), which is an in-house fundraising platform that was specifically developed for law enforcement and by law enforcement. PORAC makes no profit from the fundraisers, meaning 100 percent of the proceeds go to the officer or family in need.
Officer Riveros was a member of the Baldwin Police Department (BPPD) SWAT team, an avid snowboarder, a dedicated Dodgers fan, and was known for his infectious smile. The money raised for Officer Riveros will go to his family to help cover funeral costs and other related expenses. “We are forever grateful to the law enforcement communities who have reached out to us during this incredibly difficult time. Any donations are deeply appreciated,” the family expressed as part of its message for the campaign goal.
On Tuesday, June 3rd, residents across the San Gabriel Valley paid their respects to Officer Riveros during a procession that was held late in the evening, KTLA reported. The procession was led by 27 motorcycle officers and the procession traveled from Los Angeles to Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Convina via the northbound 605 Freeway.
On the way, Officer Riveros was driven to the Baldwin Park Police Department one last time, where he was saluted by fellow officers and applauded by onlookers who lined the streets in his honor.
“Sam was a dedicated officer who represented our department with dignity and honor,” said BPPD Chief Robert A. López. “In the face of danger, Sam selflessly put the safety of others before his own and gave his life doing so. We will never forget Sam and we will lean on one another in our shared grief as we move forward.”
The alleged gunman has been identified as 22-year-old Eduardo Roberto Medina-Berumen. He has since been charge by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office with two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder for reportedly firing shots at other BPPD officers. The charges include special circumstance allegations of multiple murders and the murder of a police officer, KTLA revealed.
If convicted, these special circumstances would make Medina-Berumen eligible for the death penalty. LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said his officer will decide at a later date whether to pursue capital punishment.
“Officer Riveros left a lasting impact and loved nothing more than putting on the uniform and protecting the community he served,” Hochman said. “We should never underestimate the dangers that officers face when they report for work, showing up day after day in service of something larger than themselves.”
