Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

While your assailant may have not been caught and brought to justice yet, he will surely face a much higher justice at another time. On this 50th anniversary of your untimely departure we say thank you and rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 20, 2020

Officer Tsukomoto,
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 Berkeley. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 20, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

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

August 20, 2018

Thank you Officer Tsukamoto for serving. What kind of real justice is there when one is shot through the eye and does not serve any time? Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 17, 2017

Ron,

We were fifteen minutes away from coffee and I never had a chance to show you that 1848 dime I found in Bandy City, I still have it and hope to show it to you when I see you again.
Love to your family.

Randy Lantz, Sergeant
University of California Police, Berkeley

June 16, 2016

"When a good man is hurt, all who would be called good must suffer with him.”

Euripides

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 17, 2015

Rest In Peace Officer Tsukamoto. You will never be forgotten.

Roy Nedrow
Patrol Sgt., Berkeley PD, 8/20/1970

June 9, 2014

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

Officer 11169

June 8, 2009

Ron I came on shortly after you left us and was told the events that led up to you being shot. Every time I drove by your last traffic stop I would think of you.It was a lesson to be learned by all who had followed you. I sent this reflection with respect and truly appreciate your service to the City of Berkeley. You served with honor and distinction.I am honored to served in the same dept as you.

AL LLANOS
FRESNO PD RET

July 16, 2008

Although your tour of duty with Berkeley PD was so short, Ron, you will always hold a special place in the hearts and minds of all your brother and sister officers who worked with you. The streets of any city are at times a very evil, dangerous place but through it all you are one officer that I can truly say personified "peace" in the title of Peace Officer.

Paul Gray
Berkeley PD - Retired

October 11, 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

August 9, 2007

Officer Tsukamoto,

I am honored to be a member of the this agency. You spirit is forever with us. Thank you for your dedication and and ultimate sacrafice to the city of Berkeley. You are not forgotten.

Jennifer Coats #151
Berkeley PD

August 3, 2007

I served with the Berkeley PD from 85'-95'. While visiting the National Peace Officer Memorial Wall in Washington DC (2006) I felt Ron's spirit and dedication while I touched his named that was forever scribed into the stone.

Lieutenant Tom MIlner
Newark Police Department

March 20, 2007

My sympathies to the family and co-workers of Officer Tsukamoto. You apparently have never been forgotten and never should. You died a true hero by making the Ultimate Sacrifice. I am very grateful and proud of the investigative work done by the recent investigators in attempting to prosecute the brutal criminal in this case. These investigators have shown great perseverance which I know will continue. Best of luck as you continue. AC

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

March 28, 2006

May all of Ron's family know for a certainty how Ron continues to live in our thoughts. I had the honor of working with this hero, and recall well his ready smile, upbeat attitude, and love for his family. Those who so senselessly shortened his life will be brought to justice. Rest well Ron, your Berkeley PD Brothers and Sisters will never forget you.

James N. Gilbert
Former BPD Officer; Prof. of Criminal Justice, Univ. of Nebraska-Kear.

March 4, 2006

Dear Car 41....I will boldly state that I speak for all Berkeley Police officers, present and former ( me #139 / 1974-1976), that we will never forget you. There are great people at BPD working to close your senseless death, and I pray that a successful prosecution will come to pass. The BPD family is a special one; you will always have a spot at the head of the table. May God bless you and your family.

Training Manager Rick Turner
San Leandro Police Department

October 11, 2005

Although it has been 35 years since Officer Tsukamoto was brutally murdered, neither he nor his murder have been forgotten. How proud this officer's family must have been of Ronald being the first Japanese American officer hired by the City of Berkeley. How very sad that during this turbulent time in our history that this minority officer was brutally gunned down after only seven months on the job. Such a senseless stupid act. The tenacity of the department should not be underestimated as 35 years after this murder, this case is being actively worked on through cold case investigation. Kudoes to those who continue to seek the truth and see that this officer, his family and friends, and his fellow officers get the justice they deserve. He that perseveres shall prevail in the end. Officer Tsukamoto, you are not forgotten. This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the
service you rendered to man, community and country, and for the supreme sacrifice you and your family made thirty-five years ago.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, PPD eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer

August 16, 2005

The City of Berkeley recently completed construction of a fine new Police Station. It is named in memory of Officer Tsukamoto.

Patrick King
Berkeley Resident

December 28, 2004

34 years later and a suspect is in custody. Those of us in law enforcement will never rest until all are brought to justis

Reserve Deputy Thomas Payne
Tulsa County Sheriffs Office

May 26, 2004

He'll pay.........

Anonymous

December 16, 2003