Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Heroes. Some come in the form of an athlete, some are in movies & others in comic books. My hero is my father & here is his story.

My father was born in Guadalajara Mexico on June 21, 1941. At the age of 5, his father left behind his family & migrated to the United States in search of a better life. Shortly after my grandmother, with children in tow, followed.

She caught up with him in Bakersfield California. Together they picked strawberries in an attempt to put food on the table. During there stay in Bakersfield the family was involved in a horrible car accident, which took the life of my fathers younger sister & scarred my father for life. Shortly after, his father again left his family & moved to Los Angeles. Again, with children in tow, my grandmother followed.

She, again, caught up & together the family attempted to settle in South Los Angeles. A few years later, his father again decided to leave the family only this time he went back to his home in Guadalajara, Mexico. This time, my grandmother had enough & did not follow. She was left to raise her 5 remaining children alone. My father being, the oldest, became an instant father figure to all his younger siblings. At the young age of 15, without hesitation my father accepted this huge task and from then on was looked at & respected as the father they never had. My father then took on odd jobs to assist his mother financially in the upbringing of his family. At the age of 15, he was now a man.

My father did what every it took to raise the family & he was very protective over them. If you were going take advantage or pick on any of his mother, brothers or sisters, it didn’t matter how big, old or tough you were, you better be ready to deal with him.

They didn’t live in one of the nicest areas, in fact it was an outright tough neighborhood located in what is now called South L.A. In one incident, my fathers younger siblings were being harassed by several neighborhood thugs, once my father got wind of this he rushed to their aid. Upon my fathers arrival a fight almost immediately ensued & during the scuffle my father was stabbed. Only after he took care of the problem did he seek medical help. From then on, he bore a scar, which would come to be a constant remainder of his upbringing. I believe this was one of many life changing moments my father would experience.

My father decided to join a local Boyle Heights Street gang which was the thing to do in the neighborhood they lived in. Being a natural leader he soon became the president aka leader of this gang. However, shortly after he saw this wasn’t the path in life he wanted he then left the gang.

One day while hanging with some buddies at Johnny’s hamburger stand in East LA something caught his eye, it my mother. Being the smooth talker he was he was quick introduce himself, 2 years later I was born soon followed by my sister.

This was another life changing time in his life, because he now had another family to raise, support & protect, his own.
With his new responsibility, he realized he needed to do something more. With his chameleon like ability to adjust to just about any situation at any time, with his knowledge of the streets, his love for adventure and his eagerness to help those in need, there was only one choice. It was then he entered the police academy. After graduating he joined the legendary Compton Police Dept. After 2 years with Compton he transferred to Inglewood. About this time, IPD was implementing a new idea, SWAT. He was the very first to volunteer.

As if being a cop & member of swat wasn’t adventurous enough, he took up several hobbies. Sky diving, professional race car driver (for Doug Thorley), scuba diving, rock climbing, marathon running, martial arts, boxing, back packing, skiing, hunting, & archery to name just a few.

Being a child of the streets, the citizens of Inglewood now had someone they could relate to, they had someone they could trust. He became very popular on the streets of Inglewood. Being one of the only bi-lingual officers on the force, the Hispanic community accepted him as one of their own. After a hard days work he often went on his own time to local Hispanic neighborhood schools & counseled & inspired Hispanic students, he tried to detour them from gangs & encourage them to stay in school, as the key to success is in education.

While I was stationed out of state, my first child was born. This was his first grandchild. He quickly took time off work, got the first flight & 24 hours later he was holding his very first grandchild in his arms, I saw tears of happiness in his eyes.

One day he tried to show me right from wrong, being as stubborn as he was our difference in opinions collided. I left his home vowing never to speak with him again.
One month later after a hard day at work, without realizing what I was doing I called him, by the time I realized I called him he was on the phone. We made our peace. This is one of the few miracles I have experienced in my life.

16 hours later on March 31st, 1988 while on duty & driving in an unmarked car, a gas station owner who recognized him ran to the car telling him he was just robbed at gunpoint. My dad was one who would never turn his back on a citizen in need took immediate action. With the suspect still in sight, he took immediate pursuit. As his car pulled along side the suspects car, shots were fired. The dispatcher at IPD heard his final & most frightful words a dispatcher could ever hear, “Victor One Victor One, Officer down!” Minutes later my father was gone.

Today is the 21st anniversary of my fathers passing & there is never a day I don’t remember him. Today he has 6 grandchildren & a great grandchild who will never see him, but they will know with out any doubt that there grandfather is a hero!

We Miss you dad
Your son

George Aguilar Jr
Son

April 2, 2009

Sgt. Aguilar,
On today, the 21st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Inglewood. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

March 31, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twenty-first 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 who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

In reading the many loving reflections left by your family and friends, I can see that you were an amazing man who had a profound impact on the lives of others. You are so missed and so loved by so many. I hold your family in my heart's embrace today and thank you and them for the supreme sacrifice made on March 31,1988.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 31, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twenty-first 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 who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

In reading the many loving reflections left by your family and friends, I can see that you were an amazing man who had a profound impact on the lives of others. You are so missed and so loved by so many. I hold your family in my heart's embrace today and thank you and them for the supreme sacrifice made on March 31,1988.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 31, 2009

Not only is he my great uncle but the sad part is I've never in my life met him. But to do my part I'm signing this reflection to show my love. I've heard plenty of incredibly great stories about him. As far as my opinion he's a great man and I look at him and seeing pictures of him is like gazing at the stars. I like doing a lot of research so I decided to at least get to know him better. Everyday my family and I pray for him so god bless you Uncle George.

Siren Aguilar
Gerat Uncle

June 8, 2008

Sergeant Aguilar,as we near the 20th anniversary of your death,I pray that your family and loved ones have found some comfort in knowing that you haven't been forgotten.
You gave your life while protecting the lives of others. You are a true hero.

Ohio
summit county

March 27, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 28, 2008

"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 12, 2007

WE STILL REMEMBER. R.I.P. SGT. AGUILAR. TO THE AGUILAR FAMILY, I PRAY FOR YOU OFTEN AS I DO FOR ALL THE FAMILIES OF OUR FALLEN HERO'S. THERE IS A BEAUTIFUL MEMORIAL LOCATED ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE INGLEWOOD POLICE STATION FOR THE IPD FALLEN HERO'S. GEORGE WOULD BE PROUD. NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!!!!!!!

DETECTIVE LIONEL GARRETT
THE WOOD

August 7, 2007

George was my neighbor when he lived in Covina in the early 80's. We had many mutual friends as several Covina PD officers left for Inglewood PD. He was a very pleasant guy, a great neighbor, and a good dad.
Rest in Peace, George.

Debbie
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

July 2, 2007

George, how I miss you! I dream of you often and know that you are still looking after me, your little sister. George was my big brother, the eldest of 7. Throughout his lifetime we spent a lot ot time together, horseback riding, hiking, skiing, helicopter riding and parties - he even took me on with him when he went on dates with the girls - imagine your big brother on a date and he takes his little sister along!

He was an adventureous person and I had a great admiration for all the exciting adventures he went on.

I am ever so thankful for having spent my time on earth with my brother George.

I love you!
Your sis,
Linda

Linda Madrid
Sister

March 23, 2007

Sgt. George Aguilar was not only a fine street savvy police officer that loved his job, but he was also a loving brother, father figure and my best friend. Our family was left fatherless when we were all very young. Mom was always busy working two jobs just trying to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. So George became a father figure for his younger brothers and sisters and we all looked to him for protection and guidance. We were raised in a poor and very rough neighborhoods of South Central Los Angeles and by necessity George became a natural leader and family protector.

When I was about 10 years old, a friend and I were playing near the railroad tracks, which were only a couple blocks from home, when an 18-year-old bully showed up and started pushing us around. We both ran home crying and told George about the incident, he immediately jumped up and ran out the door towards the railroad tracks to confronted the bully. George and bully got into a physical altercation, when suddenly the bully pulled out a knife and cut a 6" gash on the left side of George’s face and a puncture wound near his heart, that almost cost him his life.
Although, wounded, George continued fighting courageously and got the best of bully who ran away crying. Bleeding badly, we walked back towards home, when George suddenly collapsed from lost of so much blood. Luckily our sister Jenny lived across the street and her husband put George in the back seat of his car and drove him to the emergency clinic in time to save his life. George survived, the knife attack, but I believe that was a turning point in his life when he decided he wanted to become a police officer to protect others from the bullies and criminals of the world.

At times, George would take me with him to the Inglewood Police Station and on patrol rides. I often noticed how much other officers respected George for his police skills and how they looked to him for leadership. When it came to taking charge in critical situations, George was all business, but he also had a great sense of humor and could always get others laughing with his jokes or character impersonations, even in stressful situations.

George loved and lived for adventure! He was an excellent marksman, a skillful hunter and archer and loved to scuba dive. George was my diving buddy and we had some great times together hunting and scuba diving that I'll never forget. Since George death, the Aguilar Family has never been the same. There is a void in all our hearts that will never go away. But, George died doing what he loved, being a police officer and protecting others.

Every year on March 31st at noon, the family, several friends and some of his old police buddies gather together at George’s Grave Site at Rosa Hills to remember and honor the man we all loved.

George, you are always in my mind and heart and I look forward to the day when we meet up again in the next life.

Your Loving Brother and Friend,
Larry

Larry Aguilar
Brother

March 16, 2007

I FIRST MET GEORGE IN 1982 WHEN I JOINED THE WOOD AS A SEO TRAFFIC OFFICER. HE ALWAYS HAD KIND WORDS AND ADVICE FOR ME. I WAS WORKING THE MORNING OF HIS DEATH. I REMEMBER DIRECTING TRAFFIC AT THE SCENE OF THE INCIDENT THAT RESULTED IN GEORGE'S DEATH. EVERYONE ON SCENE FOUGHT BACK TEARS AS THEY TRIED TO DO THEIR JOBS, AND SEARCH FOR THE OUTSTANDING SUSPECTS. THE FUNERAL SERVICE WAS BEAUTIFUL, POLICE CARS AND MOTORCYCLES AS FAR AS YOUR EYES COULD SEE.LAW ENFORCEMENT WILL NEVER FORGET YOU SERGEANT GEORGE AGUILAR. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOUR FAMILY. R.I.P. GEORGE.

DETECTIVE LIONEL GARRETT
INGLEWOOD POLICE DEPT.

November 30, 2006

I'm so pleased to see how many of you still remember my father. Our family has been forever changed without him. The pain of his loss is a great contribution to the woman of faith I am today. The Lord has blessed me with a good husband & we have 3 beautiful children that never got the privilege of meeting their grandfather. Your reflections help them to know him a little more, I thank you for keeping his memory alive. My father was an outstanding individual; I will never forget his passion for the community, even unto death. Thank you for never forgetting the ultimate sacrifice our family is still paying for today. God bless my precious father, may he rest in peace.
I miss you & love you Daddy!!!

Camille Rose Zamorano
George's daughter

November 17, 2006

Though I didn't know you, I was at your funeral at my parish. Even though I was only 8 years old I can still remember the crowds that attended. Peace officers from all over. I have never seen so much respect for an individual before. That memory is a lot of why I chose to serve the public too. Inglewood was definitely a tough scene in those days, and I know many, including myself, who thank you for your service. Rest well!

1Lt Edward Viale
USAF

September 21, 2006

Bro:
I had the uneviable task of investigating your murder, in hopes of providing the State of Calfornia with data that would provide future training to law enforcement personnel. Your memory lives on. RIP, Sergeant AGUILAR !

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

August 15, 2006

We feel your loss and that of our other brothers every day. Your name rings through the halls of the Police Station and your face is in our minds and hearts.

Sergeant Mark Fried
Inglewood PD

May 19, 2006

I first met George in 1973, when he gave me a ride in his "company car," a 914 Porsche, when he was working undercover narcotics. He was a street kid who became a street cop. He could adapt to anything, anywhere at any time, like an actor who had studied his lines for months, he could make anyone believe anything. After playing stickball with neighborhood kids in uniform, he would make an arrest and then have everyone in the jail (good and bad guys) busting a gut as he gave his rendition of "Basseball has beeeen berry, berry good, to me." I was shopping at Costco in Inglewood when my pager went off for a K-9 callout. When I called the station I was told George was dead. On my arrival at the C/P, I was the sixth doggie cop, and they kept coming. Sixteen in all. We searched in vain that day for the suspect that ended the life of IPD's Four Victor One. As George's funeral procession moved slowly out of the parking lot of St. John's Church up Centinela Ave., children lined the sidewalks waving tiny American flags.
I thought what a fitting tribute, kids in the streets, honoring another kid of the streets. A great cop who paid the ultimate price. R.I.P. George, you earned it.

Ofc. Phil Colonnelli ID 497
Inglewood PD (Retired)

March 21, 2006

George was my husband's partner. He was a good friend. He was a good Cop. He will be remembered in our hearts forever. His family will be remembered. George, we miss you!

Linda Gaunt (wife of retired Cop)
Inglewood PD

March 11, 2006

Brother Aguilar,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue

Untouchables LE Motorcycle Club

January 16, 2006

I never met you personally, however my father worked with you at Inglewood PD. He told me numerous stories of how you two played racquet ball after work at the station. He called you a good friend and still talks about you today. You are missed.

Craig Friesen
Anaheim PD

April 18, 2005

Pop, you are missed terribly, you now have 6 grand children who are all very proud of you, there isnt a day that goes by that you are not on my mind. I love you dad and we are all so very proud of you

Your son
George jr

George Aguilar jr
n/a

March 31, 2005

God holds a special place for those who lay down their lives for others. May Sgt. Aguilar rest in His peace. Society may not recognize your sacrifice, but your brothers and sisters in this business do.

Sgt. Bill Richardson
Anchorage, Alaska PD

August 28, 2004

Sergeant George Aguilar was an absolutely outstanding human being and street cop. George was a great husband and father. He was one of my first patrol sergeants when I first became an officer in 1980. Prior to becoming an officer with the California Highway Patrol, I was a street cop with the fabled Inglewood PD, from 1980-1983. From 1973 thru 1990, the City of Inglewood had one of the most prolific crime rates in the nation. George may have become a victim of that environment, but he died a hero. He will live on in those of us blessed enough to have known him and learned street tactics from him. Affectionately referred to as "The Chameleon", George poured out his love for the underprivileged children in the public schools, and yet was one of the most savvy tactical officers on the streets of Los Angeles. Thank you George for keeping me safe the past twenty years!

Sergeant Sam Knight
CHP