Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Melody,
I have always remembered this sad day for you and for your family. I remember your dad's name after all these years and just looked it up to find this page today.
We lived on the same block. We used to go to elementary school together, we played together, and we took dance lessons together.
That day everything changed, and I still remember that after all these years. I often thought of you.

Lisa Alexander
Childhood Friend of Melody

September 14, 2024

6/7/2022
Time passes, but the pain never leaves, it creates a space in your heart that remains forever. It has been 54 years. I remember the last day of school when I was in 3rd grade. I don't remember the words mom said, but my body remembers the feeling. Daddy, I use to think you had lived such a long life, at least from my 8 year old perspective, but of course 36 years old wasn't even middle age. You were so missed and still are. I have the memories of what was, but it is the what could have been that is never know. Love you forever,
Melody

Melody Royal
Daughter

June 7, 2022

My Aunt Edna (Royal) Musial was Officer Royal's sister. My mom knew the Royal's from the early 50's while attending San Juan High School. When I was ten years old I remember my mom crying, "They shot Kenny". I knew from that day forward being a Law Enforcement Officer is dangerous work. God bless Deputy Sheriff Kenneth Royal and his family. God bless all police officers for their bravery and courage to show up for work every day or night.

Joe Neuburger, Jr.

October 13, 2020

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Royal.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 12, 2019

I walked from the Kenneth B Royal Memorial Park to Rio Consumnes Correctional Assualt Training Center this month. It was my duty and an honor to remember those like my father Johnny F .Dockery, who proudly served as a non sworn officer of the correctional command and control communication within the systematic switchboards operationally with his unit.
Many of them of Color, Race Religion, Sex and Tolerance that has been a beacon of hope in my re-entry into our community as 100 Percent Service ConnectedCombat Persian Gulf War Veteran that Suffers from PTSD/Chronic Depression/with flashbacks.

USS Tarawa LHA 1 Joao Dockery
HQ 8th Marines 2MarDiv Fleet Marine Force Devil Doc

July 21, 2019

I knew the family in North Highlands, CA.
God Bless You All :-)
jerry+
H.H.S. Class of 1975

Fr. Jerry Connors
Chaplain, Federal Bureau of Prisons

February 9, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. You are honored and remembered on the 50th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

June 7, 2018

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

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 7, 2018

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

August 31, 2017

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 8, 2015

I am a former PD Sergeant turned law student, and I am here to pay my respects to Dpty Royal. As I read the cases (People v. Salas) that have shaped our criminal justice system, I take the time to search for the officer (who was killed) and learn more about their story.

Dpty Royal, thank you for your service, and for your commitment to protecting those you loved and cared for. Your sacrifice will not soon be forgotten.

Very respectfully,
"Sarge"

Fmr. Sergeant
Civilian Law Enforcement

September 9, 2014

Melody,
I remember your dad as uncle Kenny. He was one of my fathers good friends (Walter Martin) You probably remember me as Wally Martin. your dad was a great person. I remember him on many hunting and fishing trips and what fun we had.

Wishing you only the best,
Wally Martin, Jr.
Amador County

Wally Martin
friend

June 9, 2013

Rest in Peace, Deputy Royal. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 21, 2012

Daddy,
I know you met mom with open arms with an embrace you have been waiting a long time for. I miss you both so much, but to know you are at long last together is comforting. For her whole life, she never stopped loving you. And now you are together forever.

Thank you to everyone who remember and leave kind words about my dad, they touch my heart and stir up memories......good ones to add to the memories of my mom.
Melody

Melody Royal
Daughter

May 29, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the forty-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 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.

Melody, I hope one day to meet you and other members of your family at a NorCal Cops meeting.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

June 7, 2009

Melody,

The Horrible news of the 4 slain police officers in Oakland brought me back to 1968 when you and I were in the 3rd grade. You were my best pal who always encouraged me to get up in front of the class and tap dance with you. You and I spent many of our recesses in the bathroom, where you would teach me all of your "moves". I remember going to your house and playing "Mystery Date" (Ugh!)with you. You were such a happy, outgoing, kind little girl.
I have never forgotten the day (it was after your Dad died) you brought cupcakes to class for your birthday. Your Mom stood in the back of the class with a very concerned expression on her face. You walked to the front of the class, and as soon as you placed the cupcakes on the teacher's desk, you burst into tears and ran out.
I moved away shortly after that, and we lost touch. But I'm so glad I found this website so I could tell you that watching you that day left a life-long impression with me. It was the first time I had ever experienced the effects of a tragic death. To this day, whenever I hear of an Officer's death, I think of you and the devistating pain you experienced. You were the little girl who was always positive, and encouraged me when my self esteem wasn't that great. When I saw you run out of the classroom that day, I understood completely that you were experiencing every kid's worst fear. And that your life would never be the same.
Every time an officer dies at the hand of another, it brings my memory back to you. I can't help but get teary-eyed when I think of the children and families that are left behind. God bless the officers who risk their lives every day for the rest of us.

I hope you are doing well and your life is filled with the happiness you deserve.

Your 3rd grade friend and dance partner,

Deborah (Puccio) Dafoe

Anonymous

March 29, 2009

See you on the other side.

Sgt Don "Boots" Jensen Retired
Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee, WI

September 22, 2007

Deputy Royal- You will never be forgotten-
We send love to your family-


The Family of Deputy Dave Grant/EOW/5/31/04
Tuolumne Co. Sheriff's Dept.
Sonora, Ca.

June 7, 2007

I posted this many years ago on another site: "BEHIND THE BADGE OF A DEPUTY SHERIFF".

Melody, you are absolutely correct. This is not a good photograph of your loving father. He was always happy and smiling. Most of the deputy sheriff's of that era have similar photo's; I know mine is horrible.

Patrick O'Neal, Sacramento Sheriff's Dept. Det. (Ret.)

Kenneth B. Royal (Deputy Sheriff)
Sacramento County Sheriff's Department
By Patrick O'Neal, CA USA
During the early morning hours, shortly after midnight, on June 7, 1968, I spotted a vehicle traveling out of a residential neighborhood into a well lighted commercial area that was the likely escape route of two armed robbery suspects. The traffic at that time was usually very light and and the timing seemed about right from the broadcast of "a 211 (armed robbery) just occurred at the Hub Bar on 47th Avenue, two Mexican male suspects, additional information to follow." I broadcast that I had two possible suspects and Deputy Royal was "my partner car" (we were one-man cars in those days) responded to assist me in the felony stop. The driver did not immediately yield to the red light and siren and pulled on to a darkened side street and stopped abruptly and immediately jumped from the vehicle and fled into the darkness. The passenger remained in the car for a short time. Officer Royal approached the suspect's vehicle while I shined a spotlight and shotgun on the lone remaining suspect. Suddenly shots rang out from the suspects vehicle and officer Royal went down, mortally wounded. He never gave up and while lying on the ground, returned fire at the suspect. The suspect backed out of the car and I shot him immediately with the shotgun. He went down then arose and fired in my direction. I fired a second round and he fell again; I felt sure he was dead by then. (Thirteen hits with 00 buckshot on the crook, a single .38 shot killed Officer Royal) I went to officer Royal to discover him mortally wounded. He died at the scene. Son, Husband, Father, Partner and friend gone... for $38.00 and a six pack of beer from the a bar robbery. Shot suspect, Francisco Salas, recovered and convicted of 1st degree murder and sentenced to death. Sentence later commuted when death penalty abolished in California. Later escaped from San Quentin, kidnapped people and again shot several times by shotgun by another county sheriff's department and survived. Died in 1989 in San Quentin. Second suspect convicted of lesser offenses and served time in state prison. Deputy Royal has two sons and a grandson on the Sacramento Sheriff's Department. One son is currently the Sheriff of Nevada County California Sheriff's Department. Ken, you are missed but NEVER forgotten. Detective Patrick O'Neal (retired).

Patrick O'Neal
Detective (Ret.)/Partner

January 12, 2007

What I want you to know about my Dad is he did not look like this picture. He was always smiling. He took me for a banana split every month, just the two of us and never complained when I couldn't finish the whole thing. His sons and grandson followed in his footsteps. I know he watches over them. My dad died when I was eigth years old on the last day of school, when I was in third grade. My little brother was only two years old.I know God always has a plan, but I must admit, this one I don't understand. Daddy, you are forever in my heart forever. I miss you everyday. Love, "Sam"

Melody Royal

September 14, 2005

Rest in peace, brother. The sword continues to be passed from generation to generation and it is carried with honor and pride. Though we would rather receive the sword because of a retirement, it would not have the same meaning as being received from warriors such as yourself who selflessly dance where others fear to walk.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

A Squad
Woodbridge PD CT

February 13, 2005

MAY THE ROAD RISE TO MEET YOU
MAY THE WIND BE ALWAYS AT YOUR BACK
MAY THE SUN SHINE WARM UPON YOUR FACE
MAY THE RAIN FALL SOFT UPON YOUR FIELDS
AND UNTILL WE MEET AGAIN
MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND

GOD BLESS YOU

RET SGT AJC
MCSD, NJ

August 26, 2004