Downey High pays tribute to late officer Ricky Galvez

Warren and Downey high schools honored fallen Downey police officer Ricky Galvez by renaming portions of their campus in his memory.

From left: Councilman Roger Brossmer, Superintendent Dr. John Garcia, City Manager Gilbert Livas, School Board Member Martha Sodetani, Mayor Alex Saab and School Board Members Don LaPlante, D. Mark Morris and Nancy Swenson.

This photo, from last week's ceremony at Warren High, is courtesy of DUSD.

DOWNEY – Exactly a week after Warren dedicated one of their hallways to Downey’s fallen officer, Downey High School likewise renamed its Law Enforcement Pathway in honor of Ricky Galvez. 

The renaming ceremony was attended by members the City Council and staff, Downey Unified School District, Downey Police Department officers, Galvez’s family, and several community members.

Speakers at the event included DHS Principal Tom Houts, Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Garcia, DUSD Board President Mark Morris, and Downey Police Chief Carl Charles.

“The day that Ricardo Galvez passed, the students here started a Twitter campaign to get everybody to wear black the next day; all the students. To show you how influential he was and what support the students have for the Downey Police – I have never seen so many students wear black [than] on that day...,” said Houts, who briefly spoke on the impact that the Law Enforcement Pathway CTE program has had on the Viking community.

During his speech, Morris noted that the renaming of the Pathway not only honored the late Galvez, but all of Downey’s officers. 

“We were all able to sleep better when we are protected by people of strong character and moral fiber, who determine to serve us by putting on the uniform and wearing a badge, and keeping evil away from our property and our person,” said Morris. “It takes a very special person to dedicate themselves to that kind of service, and so often we don’t get a chance to say thank you or offer our words of appreciation. 

“So what we’re doing today and what we did at Warren the other day is to honor the service of one of our police officers, but in reality we’re honoring all the officers of Downey, because they’re special people…”

Morris also commented that although Galvez was not a “Downey-ite” in the traditional sense, his service made him part of the community. 

“He worked in Downey, and because of that he’s one of us. He’s a Downey-ite,” said Morris. 
A plaque was unveiled by Morris and Galvez’s mother at the end of the ceremony, which will soon be installed on the building that houses the Law Enforcement Pathway.