Hollywood police pay homage to fallen officers
‘It’s a painful day because you remember ... the day you got the call’
HOLLYWOOD —When a Hollywood officer dies in the line of duty, his family will grieve for years — but won’t grieve alone.
Tuesday, the Hollywood Police Department paid homage to seven fallen heroes — including a K-9 named Kimbo — in a memorial service held every May for the past 25 years.
“Today, we remember the brave and dedicated men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Mayor Josh Levy said as family and friends of the fallen officers wiped away tears. “They leave behind a brave legacy.”
Officer Alex Del Rio died in a car crash 10 years ago while patrolling the streets of Hollywood.
“It’s the worst pain a mother can endure,” said his mom, Miriam Fernandez Spalla, who now lives in Marco Island. “Police work was the love of his life. That was his dream. He knew the dangers, but that’s what he loved to do.”
Del Rio’s father, Alex Del Rio Sr., said the ceremony is always bittersweet.
“It’s a painful day because you remember what happened and the day you got the call,” said Del Rio, a firefighter who lives in Homestead. “I appreciate them for honoring police
officers that have fallen in the line of duty, not only my son, but every one of them.”
Teresa Shepherd was six months pregnant with her son when her husband, Byron Riley, and his partner, Phillip Yourman, were killed in a car crash while pursuing a suspect.
“It will be 45 years in August since he’s gone,” she said. “It’s very comforting that they still remember after all these years. A lot of towns don’t remember their fallen officers, and they’ve been with me 45 years. They still stay in touch.”
After her husband died, one of her in-laws went with her to childbirth classes and was there for the delivery of her son, she said. Four years later, she married a colleague and friend of her husband’s who helped raise her son.
Hollywood’s fallen officers also include: Frankie Shivers, who was gunned down with her own weapon by a mentally ill woman while trying to rescue her from a burning car in 1982; Henry Minard, who was checking on a store’s silent alarm in 1972 when he was shot and killed; and Owen Coleman, who was killed while trying to break up a fight in 1926. Kimbo the K-9 died when hit by gunfire while pursuing a suspect in 1997. He is credited with saving his handler’s life.
Police Chief Chris O’Brien promised the officers’ families that the dedication and bravery of their loved ones will never be forgotten.
“They had your love and full support even though you knew they may not come home,” he said. “For this, we are eternally grateful. We will always be here for you.”
Commissioner Peter Hernandez said the agency hosts the event every year to remember the men and women lost not only in Hollywood, but also around the nation.
“This is the least we can do to pay tribute to our fallen heroes,” he said. “Every day these men and women put on their uniforms. There’s no guarantee they’re coming home.”