Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Arceo,
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 El Monte. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

July 9, 2024

I was on duty the night that Tony was killed. I was accepted by Tony immediately, without question. He did not care that I was a female, he called me partner. (1974)
The recent loss of two El Monte police officers took me back to the night we lost Tony.

Dr. Janis Cavanaugh, Chief (retired)
Rowland Unified School District

June 15, 2022

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 9, 2020

Well in 1970 I was sexually assaulted by gang members and this officer Tony arceo entered where I was being assaulted and he had a shotgun with him and he said to let me go and they did I have not forgotten him for saving my life he's always in my thoughts and prayers for his family and his coworkers they named the park after him the one by el Monte high school so Tony arceo is and always will be my hero praise God

Catherine Rutkoskie

March 19, 2020

Tony was my Training Officer when he died in the line of duty. At the time, I was a officer trainee in the field riding with him before I entered Rio Hondo Academy. He was also to be my Tac Officer at Rio Hondo. I recall receiving the phone call that morning that Tony had been shot in Baldwin Park. It was Tony's (our) day off and he was in El Monte Municipal Court when the help call came out from neighboring Baldwin Park P.D. I will always remember Tony as a gentlemen, friend, mentor, excellent partner and one of the best street cops I ever knew. RIP Tony.

Retired Officer Ron Derderian
Beverly Hills P.D.

August 28, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Arceo.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 16, 2019

I knew Officer Arceo when I was a Deputy District Attorney in El Monte after I returned from Vietnam in 1970. He was personable, tough and smart. He had little tolerance for those who disgraced his Hispanic heritage. His loss was very difficult for the community. He was an outstanding officer. I recall he kept in top shape and was ready to go.

Former LA County Deputy District Attorney

February 25, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 44th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

July 9, 2018

Tony was a great friend. As long as I am on this earth, he will not be forgotten.

Sergeant Ned Rodriguez
Los Angeles Sheriff

September 5, 2015

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

July 15, 2015

God Bless you Tony. We all miss you. The kids are all grown up and they still remember you as rocky raccoon from the bulwinkle show. I was at Holy Cross Cemetery last week so I stopped to view your headstone and pay a visit. I pray more than ever for all of us and you, your mom and dad. I know and believe with all my heart that you are in heaven with our Lord Jesus and God our Father. When we were in the patrol car together whether it was the night we caught those hell angels that dropped the body in Arcadia or the night we crawled into the trailer to arrest the two men and one woman that had robbed the Sundowner Bar, God always took care of us and watched over us.

I miss you but most of all I miss you being in the house with all of us when the kids were small and we would eat and share stories after working all night and going to Pomona Superior Court and you would stay and sleep because it was too far to drive to Redondo Beach. We would only get 3 -4 hrs. sleep before we would have to be back to work.

So my brother in Christ I will continue to pray for you, your mom, dad and all your family. I love you Tony and yes Bill Lackey says hello. Bill lives in Las Vegas and works at the Gold Coast. Many stories to tell of off duty officers and deputies getting into trouble and Bill has been on duty to help guide and steer these big headed guys back home safely.

God Bless and watch over all of us, Love you, Richard.

Sergeant Richard Rodriguez
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept. Former partner at El Monte PD

September 12, 2011

I will never forget you,Tony. Your act of protection, care and concern for a young Cadet that night when Terry laid there in need. The many, many shifts of learning learning learning from you are still treasured and buried in my heart & mind; and used to this very day as a P.I. I miss you my mentor.

Steven Kalla
former EMPD

June 5, 2011

RIP Sir

Eric Johnston, Detective
El Monte PD

May 18, 2011

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

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th 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.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

July 9, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Officer Arceo.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 17, 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

August 28, 2007

Thank you for your bravery, dedication, and sacrifice. Today is the 33rd anniversary of your tragic death. You will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero!

DET SGT, Retired
AR

July 9, 2007

Officer Arceo:

Your memory lives on. A child who was impressed by You, has gone on to become an Assistant Chief with the CHP. He is also presently a finalist for the top spot with the Austin Police Department. May You Rest - In - Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

May 23, 2007

Tony, Although I was too young to remember you before, I remember your face on the wall of my home and the stories my dad would tell me about you.You were always part of our family. I hope you two will see each other in heaven now. Jana

Jana Long

March 13, 2006

Officer Arceo -

I lived in El Monte at the time. I knew a couple of El Monte Officers. Your death hit them hard. I still hear one guy talk about that day, every so often. I can recall visiting the station one day and seeing your .45 duty weapon, portrait, and badge on the lobby wall. They haven't forgotten you and niether have I.

Sleep well, we'll all meet up soon enough.

Sgt. K. Moreland
LAPD

November 28, 2005

May God continue to rest your soul.

January 5, 2005

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

A grateful citizen.

September 23, 2004

I grew up in El Monte, and I remember when they named the park near my high school after Officer Arceo. This tragic event was my first exposure to the sacrifices and heroism that men have given before me. This incident inspired me to seek a career in Law Enforcement. I just wanted to say thanks to Officer Arceo for protecting us. I never knew him, I can understand what he stood for now that I am older. I read the reflection from his partner and just wanted him to know that others do remember. Rest in Peace Officer Arceo. My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Arceo's family. Thankyou ODMP.

Police Officer III
Los Angeles Police Department

August 19, 2004

This man was my partner and best friend and never a finer Police Officer or Man ever wore the badge. He is never forgotten and always in my heart and thoughts. This is for all of us who knew and loved this man as a Police Officer, Partner and Best friend. There are many of the old "Botherhood" still out here keeping his memory alive. He is Gone But Never Forgotten, we'll meet again on the final watch my friend.

Sr Criminal Investigator
Federal Courts, US of A

November 14, 2003