SR-100-002 (28)
Council Meeting: March 14, 2006 Santa Monica, California
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Memorial Sign in memory of Officer Ricardo A. Crocker
Introduction
This staff report recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to
request that California State Senator Kuehl carry legislation to post a memorial
sign along the Santa Monica Freeway (I-10) or Pacific Coast Highway in memory
of Santa Monica Police Officer Ricardo A. Crocker
.
Requesting that a local legislator carry legislation, on the recommendation of a
city or other agency, is the standard protocol for memorial signage in California.
Background
On May 26, 2005, Officer Ricardo A. Crocker, a Major in the United States
Marine Corps, was killed by a rocket propelled grenade explosion while
conducting combat operations against enemy forces. Major Crocker was
assigned to Detachment D, 3rd Civil Affairs Group, attached to the 5th
Provisional Civil Affairs Group, II MEF. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom II
with 3rd CAG from February through September 2004, and volunteered to return
to Iraq with 5th CAG in February 2005.
Discussion
Officer Ricardo A. Crocker, known to all of us as “Rick,” was 39 years of age and
a 10-year veteran of the Santa Monica Police Department. As a Santa Monica
Police Officer, Rick served in uniform patrol, was a member of the Crime Impact
Team, a member of the Special Entry Team, the primary Emergency Medical
Technician for the Special Entry Team, Rifle Team Member, Rifle Team
Instructor, and his final assignment was the Police Activities League (PAL).
While assigned to PAL Rick made an indelible impression on the youth of Santa
Monica. He taught SAT prep courses, led the book club and implemented hiking
and camping programs. These programs exposed PAL youth to Rick’s two
passions – education and nature. Rick held the rank of Captain in the U.S.
Marines, when he was hired on July 21, 1995 and ultimately promoted to the
rank of Major. He was an excellent Santa Monica Police Officer, as well as an
ambassador and protector of the community. Rick was the consummate caring
professional who represented the highest standards and traditions of law
enforcement and the Police Department. He was admired and loved by most
everyone who had the opportunity to know him.
Budget/Financial Impact
No budget action is required.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to request
Senator Kuehl to carry legislation to post a memorial sign along either the Santa
Monica Freeway (I-10) or Pacific Coast Highway in memory of Officer Ricardo A.
Crocker
.
Prepared By: James T. Butts, Jr., Chief of Police
Frank Fabrega, Police Lieutenant