Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Acuna,

Tomorrow will be the 53rd anniversary of your tragic death. I still think of you often. I was just 11 the night you died. I lived just blocks away from where it happened. Ironically, the street I lived on at the time was Via Vista. the newspaper article that reported the story of the robbery that resulted in your death was posted on the current events bulletin board in my classroom at Washington Elementary. I recall often staring at your picture while the article was posted for several weeks. Your death profoundly affected me. the man who shot you will come up for parole again in September of 2025. I'm sure I'll get notified by ODMP when his hearing is coming up. I'll be sure to send them a no parole letter.

Daniel Ryan
Private Investigator (Retired)

October 5, 2024

I was on duty at Beverly Hospital when Ralph was brought in, he was talking ER Dr. sent him to Surgery immediately, surgeons and staff were called and responded immediately. Unfortunately...
RIP my friend.

Liz Nevarez, EMS
Friend

August 4, 2024

I came to The Montebello PD in 1974 , 21/2-3 years after Officer Acuna’s death.

I worked with Lt Brown and Det Vance both of them responded to the call also.

All officers knew , respected Officer Acuna even posthumously. During my 6-7 years at MTB PD Officer Michael Christian was also shot 3 times on duty but survived only to pass late last year 2022. God Bless both Officers RIP
OFFICER PII. Badge #1128

P Ii David Robinson
MTB PD

October 3, 2023

Officer Acuna,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Montebello. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 6, 2021

I was extremely proud today because I learned that my father was the LASO Deputy Sheriff that caught Officer Acuna’s killer. I was only 7 but I still remember how proud he was on that day. I had no idea of the officers name but I knew he had caught a “really bad guy”. I was only 7 when my pop arrested the dirt bag. I just pray that his family was able move on and have productive lives.

Davis Conley
Former USN

April 7, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You are not forgotten.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
City of Upland, CA

October 6, 2017

I was 16 & a member of Arcadia Police Explorers Post 101. Officer Acuna was one of my instructors back then, 1971. It was my 1st Law Enforcement death. I got to ride in the procession in a Arcadia marked unit, always will remember.

Ex: Sargent 1971
Arcadia Police

March 3, 2017

I will never forget the time Henry was brought into The ER at Beverly Hospital. Within minutes Surgery staff was called the best surgeons and nurses were there I had to stay in the ER with Dr. trejo along with some of his fellow officers. Sometime later we got the news, his wounds were mortal. Having known him and his visits to the ER left me with a sense of loss and a feeling of helplessness that I couldn't do anything. Grief set in. Seeing all MPD at his service at San Gabriel Mission, tears rolling down their faces the brotherhood was inconsolable. Mrs. Acuna my prayers have always been with you and your children. RIP old friend.

Liz Beverly Hospital

August 20, 2016

Reading these stories of how great of a man he was touches me. I was deeply affected almost to tears when I read the words of Ms. Acuna. Mrs. Acuna, "hero" is thrown around a lot as people try to manufacture them to be used - but your husband was a true hero for sure. Surely he is already in the midst of his great reward. I'm on the other side of the country but even I can tell the love and respect that the community had for him. What a good man. May god bless you and your family abundantly.

Jas. Strong-Oak
Former LEO in South Carolina

August 25, 2015

It brings sadness to know that he has been the only Montebello Police Officer that died by doing his job. I am currently a Recruit of Class 403 of the LA County Sheriff's Department and his story has made me want to become a better Police Officer. My thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.

Police Officer Erika Orozco
Metropolitan State Hospital

September 29, 2014

I was the LASD Deputy that found and helped capture the killer of officer Henry A. Acuna in 1971.
His killing influenced my carrier and life.
I am now 75 years old and living in Oroville Ca. and a member of the Butte County Sheriff's posse.

Deputy Daniel L. McCarty
LASD retired and Butte county Sheriff'd posse

September 5, 2013

Rest in Peace, Officer Acuna. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 15, 2012

Though I was only 11 on the night of your passing into the arms of God, I was deeply touched by your heroism and your sacrifice. Even on this day 40 years later I think of you often. Your loved ones have never forgotten you. Though we never met, neither have I. Perhaps when I'm in heaven too, we can finally meet.

Dan Ryan, Private Investigator

October 18, 2011

to my dear husband oh how i still miss you. it has been 38 years but my tears still flow. our children have all grown to be caring and loving adults and i am sure you know that we have 5 grandchildren who i know that you would just love. how i would love to have you hold me in your arms again i miss you so. until we meet again in heaven, your loving wife jean

jean acuna
widow of officer henry acuna

October 17, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 6, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 6, 2009

today on the anniversary of your death we wish to remember you and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchaester, Nh

October 6, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

September 20, 2007

Mr. Acuna us park rangers keep a strong watch over the park named in your honor. It's an honor.

Park Ranger Carlos Flores
Montebello Park Rangers

July 20, 2007

I remember the day you died. We prayed for you and your family at my school (St. Benedict's). When I drive by the park named in your honor for your brave service and ultimate sacrifice, I can not help to be concerned for my brother who is now a police officer in the City of Montebello. To those of us who read these reflections, may we always remember to pray for these fallen officer's children who have grown up without their fathers. And also for the protection of the other brave men and women officer's who lay their lives down everyday to protect us. May God bless you all and keep you safe!
D.Fagan
4/25/06

April 25, 2006

To the family of Officer Acuna:

My name is Tim Moreno and my father was with Mr Acuna while he passed. This has been a very hard memory for my father one that he now is able to speak of. He is now 76 and can now reflect. My father was at the liquor store on Concourse off of Bevery purchasing cigarettes. I remembering my sister and mother asking him not to go as they were concerned for his health and that ultimately they would be the death of him but stubbornly he went. According to my father: while he was in the store he had approached the counter to ask for his Marlboro's and decided to bring his mijo (me) and Coke. When he went to the freezer to grab the soda he heard an argument coming from the counter and realized what was happening. He realizing what might occur and noticing that the assailant had a weapon, tried to stay out of sight. Apparently, the store clerk had already hit the silent alarm and the police were dispatched.

Officer Acuna came in brandishing his weapon understanding what he was alerted for. My father, stooping behind an aisle was trying to figure a way to knoeck the robber off balance and possibly get the weapon away from him. However when office Acuna entered and ordered the robber to drop his weapon he was gunned down in cold blood. At this point the robber turned and saw my father standing there, eye to eye, laughed and ran out the door. My father ran to officer Acuna and tried to reassure him but according to my father the wound that he sustained was fatal....he tried to pray with him and ask if he knew the Lord....his memory draws him to tears and he remembers nothing more. I will tell you that this hauinted him for years. being residents of Montebello, actually right on Beverly Blvd we knew allot of people and had quite a bit of family in the immediate area but we never knew Mr. Acuna. We do understand that he was a good man.

We as a family were saddened by the loss of this officer however equally gratified that because of officer Acuna our father was spared.

Unfortunately, because the robber did get away we were visited often by local investigators for a description and my parents began to fear for our safety. ultimately we were forced to leave montebello and start over.

For many years my father would go to the park memorialized in honoer of Officer Acuna to reflect on his horrible memory. However until recently has he been able to open up and share this tragic event.

So why am i sharing in detail? Because this man's life ended doing what he believed in...protecting the community.

And certainly, as I am now a man with children of my own....I am very grateful that officer Acuna responded to this call knowing that his life could be on the line....the truth is we still have my father because of his heroic actions.

I am so sorry for his loss but in his memory is a very grateful family of sons, daughters, grandchildren and great grand children even one great great grand daughter.

So now, Sir, Officer Acuna I know that you are gone and I beleieve that you are in heaven with the Lord. i thank you for giving your life for that of my fathers. You were taken from your family in an unjust manner but you were a man of honor and My Hero.

Thank you for doing what you did but most of all...thank you for saving my fathers life.

To the family: WE (our familia) are very grateful for the life of your father, son, brother.

Thank you in all sincerity.

Tim Moreno
no affiliation

March 24, 2006

Henry,
Thank you for your service and may God bless your family.

Heros like you are NEVER forgotten...

Until we meet in front of the "Chief"...

June 24, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies.....

Rest in peace, hero.

September 29, 2004

03/30/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. No officer who gives his/her life for us need ever be forgotton. You died a hero; rest in peace.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

March 30, 2004