Community honors Officer "Speedy" at memorial; foundation and annual 5K carry on his work

Speakers at a community memorial recounted the life and service of Officer "Speedy," saying he was shot and killed while on duty, and described ongoing community efforts — including a foundation and an annual 5K — to support his family and honor his legacy.

The memorial brought together colleagues, first responders and relatives who described Speedy as a strict but generous supervisor and a devoted father and husband. Organizers and family members said the foundation and its annual 5K have provided a focal point for community support since his death, and that friends remain committed to helping his children and spouse.

Commenter 1, Colleague, described Speedy as "a very fair individual" and said, "He treated everybody the same. He helped those who needed help, but he was also willing to be strict when he needed to be strict." Commenter 3, First responder, said Speedy "was 1 of those officers that when he entered the room, you knew he was there" and called him "an excellent supervisor" who "preach[ed] safety, officer safety, doing what you gotta do to get home to your family."

Commenter 4, Spouse, recounted personal memories: "Speedy and I met in high school ... we dated for about four and a half years. Like, we graduated, we went to prom, everything ... we got engaged and we got married." She said their daughter Brianna was born about a year after they married and that Speedy "was just, like, beaming, like, that was his baby girl."

Speaking about the day he died, Commenter 4 said she was on the phone with him when he received his last call: "He got the call. And he's like, 'Babe, I gotta go.' And I said, 'Okay, babe. Take care. Love you.' And that was it." Other speakers said they learned he had been shot while responding; Commenter 3 said a fellow responder "paused, and he told me, that Speedy just got shot."

Speakers described the community response after the shooting. Commenter 2, Colleague/Responder, said, "Been about 25 years since somebody had a gunshot, so the Valley and the community really came together." Organizers said the Speedy foundation and an annual Speedy 5K have grown since the first year and are used to "carry his legacy and honor him, and at the same time, be able to give back to our law enforcement officers."

Those speaking at the memorial emphasized ongoing personal support for the family. Commenter 1 said colleagues promised to "be there every step of the way" for the children, noting Joaquin recently graduated high school and Brianna has plans to marry on Feb. 28. Commenter 4 asked the community to remember Speedy as a passionate officer and a devoted family man: "He loved his job with a passion. He was a great father, an amazing husband."

Organizers and family members described the memorial and foundation events as ways to keep memories alive and to provide practical support for first responders and for Speedy’s family. They said volunteers and friends continue regular outreach to the family and plan future fundraising activities tied to the anniversary of his death.