Letter to the Editor: Police need secure parking

Dear Editor:

Hello Downey residents, Downey businesses, community members and everyone in Downey. How is everyone? I'm writing this because I would like to see our Downey Police Department fully secured. They have provided my family and I with top-notch security for the last 30 years. 

I have noticed there is no secure parking or premises for our officers, once they leave the building. The parking area is where our beloved angel officer, Ricky Galvez, was shot and killed. How many more officers do we have to lose before they are fully secured? 

I have been asking them to watch the back parking lot, even prior to Ricky’s death. They're so busy taking care of us, now we need to take care of them. 

I have asked City Hall but they don't have the funds available. I'm asking you kindly and professionally. Please donate to the Downey Police Officers Association any amount you can toward a new three-story parking structure fund, C/O Officer Ralph Diaz, President. 

We need to separate the Embassy Suites parking area from police officers, firefighters and city officials parking only. No public should enter the parking area at all. Secure all existing parking areas for police cars and motorcycles. Block Civic Center Drive from 3rd Street to Brookshire, and move Civic center Drive to Dolan and Firestone. This is what Downey needs in 2020. 

With all the new chaos, our officers need protection and security that they provide for us residents and day workers and night workers 24/7. So let's secure Downey today and tomorrow from future chaos because if our officers are not safe, we’re not safe.

Please donate to the Downey Police Officers Association, C/O Ralph Diaz, President, in the form of a check or debit card. Donations can be made online www.DowneyPOA.org. 

Thank you for keeping Downey safe. God bless you all and take care of yourselves. Thank you, Love and peace.

Belinda Arrieta
Downey