Police Officer Toshio Hirai

I spent two weeks with Toshio in Sacramento County during swat school back in 2008. I just learned of his passing today watching the PORAC memorial video. Toshio was one of 6 in a group of us that quickly gravitated towards each other through humor. Toshio would’ve been the youngest in our group but he was probably the most focused. But one night , after studying late into the night , I remember him singing/rapping/spelling a song on my voicemail (I-n-d-e-p-e-n-d-e-n-t) . I saved the voicemail for years and could never delete it because it reminded me of two of the most vital weeks of my career , highlighted by the amazing group of people in that class. our class photo is one of the few photographs I have related to work and I will always remember him and his laugh. I instantly heard it when his memorial picture flashed. Life is fragile and my deepest condolences go to his wife, child, and the entire GPD family. If I had to guess he was one of the people you’d consider the heart and soul of your department .

Sergeant Richard Graham
Classmate

May 5, 2020