Posted on 11/16/2010 2:10:19 PM PST by La Enchiladita
A Southern California police officer who was shot to death while pursuing a suspected truck thief was remembered Tuesday as a hero, a soldier and a dedicated public servant at a funeral packed with thousands of mourners. Officer Ryan Bonaminio, 27, was shot to death on Nov. 7 after chasing a suspect down a dark path and into a park. The Army veteran, who had returned to work on his hometown police force after tours in Germany and Iraq, was likely shot with his own service weapon, police said.
Authorities on Monday charged Earl Ellis Green, 44, with murder and other felonies.
But mourners preferred to focus on Bonaminio's life as they spoke at a podium positioned above his flag-draped coffin, which was brought into Grace Community Church in Riverside by a police honor guard.
...Military colleagues hailed Bonaminio's service as a police officer, both in Riverside and as part of the Army's 314th Military Police Company, where he earned the nickname "Bondo" because his sergeant got fed up with his long last name.
He was always upbeat and smiling, despite temperatures in Iraq that reached 155 degrees, unpalatable meals and sleeping in the sand for days on end without showers, his fellow soldiers said.
(Excerpt) Read more at mercurynews.com ...
Green, of Rubidoux, faces special circumstance allegations on the murder charge that could make him eligible for the death penalty if convicted.
Like Rodney King, Green already had a long rap sheet.
Pardon me for this, but I am haunted by Officer Bonaminio pleading for his life after he was beaten with the metal pipe and disarmed. Reports say 3 shots were fired, but do not give any more detail. I think he was executed, shot in the head.
My FRiends, where is the “black community” now, when one of their own perpetrates crime after crime, flees, then executes a police officer in cold blood??
Not only a police officer, but a soldier only 27 years of age, who had served two tours in Iraq.
He was safer in Iraq.
Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was idealistic and believed he could make a difference.
He was immensely proud of the uniform and the badge and what they represent.
He felt privileged to be of service to his department, his
community and to his country.
He was a cop.
Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was friendly, courteous, and polite, yet firm.
He laughed and joked, but was serious when necessary.
He was competent, trained, and professional.
He was a cop.
Although I never met him, I knew him.
He had a strong sense of right and wrong and became
frustrated when true justice became sidetracked.
He felt the sharp criticism that goes with the job, but he never wavered.
He stood by and for his fellow officers.
He was a cop.
Although I never met him, I knew him.
He longed for his family during the long hours.
He worried about them during his shifts and the lonely
weekends, holidays and midnights when they were apart.
He felt guilty about the lost time, but knew his calling
and prayed they would understand.
He was a cop.
Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was a good son, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
He was dedicated to the profession and cared about the people he served.
He wanted to do the best job that he could and strive to
be the best he could be.
He was a good citizen and a good neighbor.
He was a cop.
Yes, I did know him.
He was a cop, he was my brother.
They're on a timeout. They'll be back talking about unequal arrest percentages and racially unequal punishment when this comes up for the death penalty.
I’m surprised the cop-hating contingent isn’t here cheering this officer’s death.
They showed up a few days ago and we took care of them.
:)
Ping
BINGO!
Rest In Peace little brother.
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