Fallen Officers
This page was created on February 28, 2001 to Honor Fallen TTPOA Tactical Officers.
In Memory of those Officers killed in the Line of Duty, while
Serving their community in a Tactical Officer's Role. Officer John Anthony Riojas
San Antonio Police Department, TX |
| Cause of Death: Gunfire |
| End of Watch: February 3, 2001 |
| Date of Incident: February 2, 2001 |
| Time of Incident: 2150 hours |
| Age: 37 |
| Tour of Duty: 11 yr |
| Suspect Info: Charged with capital murder |
| Weapon Used: Officer's handgun |
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| Officer Riojas died shortly after being shot during a foot chase in a troubled apartment complex. Officer Riojas was able to catch the suspect and a struggle ensued. The suspect was able to gain control of Officer Riojas' weapon and shot him once in the head before fleeing the scene. Other officers were in the area and responded to the gunfire. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries approximately two hours later. The suspect was arrested several days later and charged with capital murder. |
Deputy Keith G. Ruiz
Travis County Sheriff's Department, TX |
| Cause of Death: Gunfire |
| End of Watch: February 15, 2001 |
| Date of Incident: February 15, 2001 |
| Time of Incident: 2130 hours |
| Age: 36 |
| Tour of Duty: 12 yr |
| Suspect Info: Charged with capital murder |
| Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type |
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| Deputy Ruiz was shot and killed as he and other SWAT team members were serving a warrant. Deputy Ruiz's unit was working with the Capitol Area Narcotics Task Force and serving a narcotics warrant on a suspect. As they attempted to enter the mobile home they identified themselves and the suspect immediately opened fire, striking Deputy Ruiz in the chest between two panels on his vest. Another deputy returned fire, wounding the suspect in the hand. Deputy Ruiz was flown to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect was charged with capital murder. |
Corporal Joseph Cushman
Arlington Police Department, TX |
| Cause of Death: Gunfire (Accidental) |
| End of Watch: June 7, 2001 |
| Date of Incident: June 7, 2001 |
| Age: 26 |
| Tour of Duty: 4 yr |
| Suspect Info: Not Available |
| Weapon Used: Officer's handgun |
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| Corporal Cushman was accidentally shot and killed while performing training for a school shooting. A group of officers were conducting the training at a local junior high school when Corporal Cushman was shot in the head. All of the officers involved were wearing helmets and vests and supposed to be using rubber bullets. Corporal Cushman and a second instructor were demonstrating a drill to other officers when the other instructor's weapon discharged, striking Corporal Cushman in the head with a live round. The school year had already ended and no students were present during the training exercise. |
Sergeant Kevin Cox
Lubbock Police Department, TX |
| Cause of Death: Gunfire |
| End of Watch: July 13, 2001 |
| Date of Incident: July 13, 2001 |
| Age: 38 |
| Tour of Duty: 16 yr |
| Suspect Info: Shot and wounded |
| Weapon Used: Rifle |
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Sergeant Cox was shot and killed as he and other SWAT team members entered a home during a standoff with a man known to have several weapons. Officers were initially called to the home during a domestic dispute involving the man and his wife. After the wife left the home the man dragged several pieces of furniture into the yard, doused them with gasoline, and then set them on fire. When officers arrived at approximately 1100 hours the man holed up inside of the house.
At approximately 1515 hours officers began to clear all of the windows in the house by knocking the glass out and removing any blinds obstructing view into the home. As they did so shots were fired and Sergeant Cox was accidentally struck in the head from a shot fired by members of the SWAT team. Other officers returned fire, wounding the suspect. Officers then fired tear gas into the home, causing the man to crawl out and be taken into custody.
Sergeant Cox had been with the agency for 16 years and is survived by his wife and two children. |
Captain George Scott Monier
White Settlement Police Department, TX |
| Cause of Death: Gunfire |
| End of Watch: April 24, 2002 |
| Date of Incident: April 24, 2002 |
| Age: 37 |
| Tour of Duty: 11 yr |
| Suspect Info: Shot and killed |
| Weapon Used: .45 caliber |
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Captain Monier was shot and killed after he and another officer responded to a home for a domestic disturbance call involving a gun at approximately 1300 hours. As one of the officers spoke with a witness Captain Monier entered the rear of the house. As Captain Monier entered the house the suspect opened fire, striking him in the abdomen and chest. Captain Monier, who was not wearing a vest, was able to return fire, striking the suspect seven times and fatally wounding him.
Captain Monier was able to make it to the front yard where he collapsed. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed his wounds. The suspect then held officers at bay for several hours. When tactical officers entered the house the suspect was found dead as a result of the gunshot wounds received from Captain Monier.
Captain Monier had been with the agency for 11 years and is survived by his wife and two young daughters. |
"Greater Love Hath No Man Than This, That A Man Lay Down
His Life For His Friends" John 15:13