Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The San Jose Police Emerald Society is dedicated to keeping the memories of all fallen SanJose Police Officers alive. We hold a memorial service grave side on the anniversary of their death and serenade them with bagpipes. We encourage everyone to attend these memorials. For more information you can go to our website or Facebook page

Ofc. Mark Alvares #2653 retired
San Jose Police Emerald Society

July 13, 2023

I met Richard while working at a cannery in San Jose in the 1950s. We both worked in the empty can department during the summer season. We worked side by side, ate lunch together and quickly became good friends. I remember how happy I was for him when I heard he had joined SJPD. He was a good man for the job. I will also never forget the day I picked up the newspaper and read about what happened. I was mortified to say the least. Today I live near the little park named for him and pass by it nearly every day. After so many years my thoughts still return to Richard. He was a good man.

Antonio Ybarra
Friend

February 4, 2022

Although I never met you, you were a guardian angel to my grandmother tootsie. The way she spoke of you made me wish you were still alive to share your musical talents and the light you brought to everyone. You were in her thoughts and heart until the very last.
Rest in peace Richard & Tootsie.
Thank you for all the love and prayer everyone shows on this thread.
May God watch over our officers and those protecting us.

Jay Florence
Great Nephew

January 13, 2021

Rest in peace Officer Huerta.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 8, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your memory, service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 6, 2020

Semper Fi. You are not forgotten. God bless you and your family.

State Traffic Officer 7185 Mike Becze
California Highway Patrol, South LA. US Marine

August 6, 2020

Officer Huerta,
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 San Jose. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 6, 2020

Richard and I became friends while running track at Lincoln High. I always remember him as a super guy, easy to know, and just plain nice. We went our separate ways after high school, me ending up in SoCal, but ever since I learned of his murder, I have thought of him often through the years and am still saddened to this day thinking of the terrible loss his death was.

Bob Knoth
Friend

August 2, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 48th anniversary of your EOW.

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

August 6, 2018

Every time I hear of another police shooting, I think of you, Mr. Huerta. May you rest in peace. You may be gone, but you are not forgotten.

Jennifer A. Wagster
Wife of your friend, Joe

November 24, 2016

Rest in Peace Brother...you are a true hero!!

N.Y.PD. Lt. Ray Flores
Retired

August 6, 2016

I was 5 years old when we received a phone call from a family friend informing us that Officer Richard Huerta was tragically killed in the line of duty. Although I had never personally met Richard, I do remember going to his parents house who were friends with my parents a few times.

Every so often I read the story of the aftermath about how the San Jose Police department along with other agencies pulled together and hunted down his killer. I love reading about the K-9 German Shepherds who played a big part in the capture and arrest. I wish I could have met Richard Huerta--a true hero!

Rick B
Friend of the family

April 3, 2015

Dear cousin...I was only three when this horrible tragedy happen and mom said it was just very sad. Please know that you are missed.

Cheryl
Second Cousin

March 30, 2015

Richard I have always remembered you and the sadness that engulfed my life when I learned of your death. I was a juvenile hall counselor and I worked the control desk, that is where we met and where we spent many hours talking about our daily lives, our hopes, and our futures. It was a troubled time, race relations were not good, but somehow you always saw a bright future. You have been missed over the years and I miss the future we would have had, you at SJPD and me at JPD. Prayers still sent daily.

Robert Hernandez
Santa Clara County Probation

March 26, 2015

Richard, today is August 6th, 2014. It has been 44 years. I cried today. When I was a baby cop you were one of the kind ones who showed me the way. I remember times you saw something coming that I didn't. Thank you for who you were as a human first and police officer second. I so enjoyed talking with you before you stopped the car. We were behind the school, I was on the way home and we talked about the evening's events concerning the Association meeting. You were so tired. We talked and you shared how happy you were about the upcoming accordion performance your students were putting on. Your face lit up when you talked about the students. Today was the first time I saw a post by your students. Richard, you were a good man. Thank you for the memories.

Harry Robertson Sgt.
Retired, San Jose Police

August 6, 2014

For my 30 year career there was one seat that was always reserved for you in the briefing room. On the table at that seat was a memorial plaque to remind all of us of the sacrifice you made. You ARE NOT, and NEVER WILL be, forgotten. While I did not know you in person I have always felt that I know you because of the uniform we both shared. R.I.P. my brother and friend until we actually do meet.

Sergrant
S.J.P.D.

August 7, 2013

My first meeting with you was my first midnight briefing. I saw your plaque. I was a new guy. 1981. My time has passed and now retired. Your death is a steady reminder of the business we are in. As I write this I offer you a silent prayer. You were a true warrior. May this message bring you more peace my brother. May your family know you have not been forgotten

SJPD/MERGE

Officer
SJPD

March 24, 2013

Two memorials were dedicated to Richard’s memory, in one instance, a city park was named after him, an act that reflected the public’s concern. But the most significant memorial is the relative simple plaque that marks Richard’s favorite seat in the Briefing Room. It is reserved for him today just as it was when he was there (29) years ago.
The plaque reads:

This chair is reserved in the memory of Richard Eugene Huerta, Badge 47, killed in the line of duty, August 6, 1970. Brother Huerta will always answer roll call in our hearts."

Taken from an article written by retired San Jose Sgt. Dwight Messimer

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

February 1, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 43rd anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first to leave a tribute to you. 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections. The ones from your music students really touched me and I feel your music still lives through them.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

February 1, 2013

Dear Richard,
I still cry when I think of those days. First the good days, you and your devoted students, the accordion band, Armando, the recitals. Then to wake up and hear the news, read the awful details in the paper, and know you were gone, so terribly, so unjustly. I don't know how Mr. Gregorio got through those days, let alone your family. I still think of you often. You made such an impression on that 9-11-yr old me.

Teri English
Accordion Student

June 4, 2012

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

Officer 11169

January 22, 2012

Honoring and Remembering Officer Richard Huerta, forty years after e.o.w.

DDA Michael Louie
Santa Clara County D.A.'s Office

August 6, 2010

Officer Huerta,
The punk Thompson was again denied parole. There were 420 letters sent opposing his parole. Apparently, the parole board listens to the people. In 4 years, when he has his next hearing, my letter will be sent again. I will never forget the effect August 6, 1970 had on me. I was 15 years old, but remember as if it were yesterday. And I will send that letter every 4 years until I pass away. It is the least I can do for you and your family. I despise that man, and he will know it every 4 years. I must do this for my own self satisfaction and to honor you for your courageous service and sacrifice.

You will never be forgotten Officer Huerta.

Jim Sweeney Civilian New Jersey
A friend to our Police Officers

April 27, 2008

Your killer has a parole hearing April 24th, 2008. I have sent my letter opposing his parole and have enlisted the help of two police web sites asking others to do the same. We will do our part to see that Thompson never sees the light of day again. It's the least we can do for your courageous service and sacrifice. He does not deserve to be breathing, much less get out of prison on parole. You will never be forgotten Officer Huerta.

Jim Sweeney Civilian New Jersey
A friend to our Police Officersj

March 26, 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 20, 2007