On Wednesday October 18th a Memorial and Remembrance Luncheon was held for fallen Rialto Police Officer Sergio Carrera Jr. who lost his life in the line of duty 10 years ago. Both the Graveside Memorial and Remembrance Luncheon were put on and put together with the hard work and support of Rialto Police Benefit Association without the police union this event would have never happened. Source tell us that if the Rialto Police Benefit Association had not stepped up nothing would have been done to honor this 10 year anniversary.
Those in attendance said that the event was a great way to remember a great officer who was taken away from his family and co-workers too soon. You may remember we called out the Mayor for not attending another event to honor Rialto’s fallen officers and Mayor Robertson got very upset with us and even Ed Scott barked at us for even suggesting that the Mayor and her council don’t support our fallen officers. Well actions speak louder than words and sources tell us that the council’s lack of actions speak louder than any words they may speak.
On October 19th sources close to the event reported that not one of the cities elected leaders even stopped by to say hello to the family or even give their condolences. Sources tell us that Captain Andy Karol from the command staff attended the Remembrance Luncheon on behalf of the Department. Also officers who stopped by the Luncheon that was in the city limits to remember their fellow fallen officer were scolded for doing so.
We reached out to those on Council and got a response from Councilman Andy Carrizales:
This is one of the many reasons local election advocates urge the community to look for sincere elected officials that will take these moments to show care and concern about their communities needs. As a son of a Military and Law Enforcement professional I can tell you that the pain of losing a loved one in the line of duty is a fear I am glad my family never had to endure.
rialtonow 
Oct 25, 2017 @ 04:12:16
Maybe it would be more appropriate to have a remembrance ceremony for all fallen officers from Rialto PD. I believe there are three in its history.
Oct 24, 2017 @ 21:49:47
There are remembrance ceremonies for all 3 Officers at each of their milestones. Officer Carrera (my husband) deserved to be remembered for having given his life ten years ago! Sergeant Wolfley just had his 30th last year and Sergeant Lee will have his 50th coming up soon. So please don’t take that honor away from Officer Carrera.
Oct 25, 2017 @ 04:19:52
This was Sergio 10 year anniversary of his death. All three are remembered at the annual 5k each year.
Oct 25, 2017 @ 04:14:06
Mr Phillips
Actually we were asked by the widow of Officer Carrera not to attend. Perhaps she didn’t want it to be political. Check your facts next time
Oct 25, 2017 @ 04:28:12
We stand by our information and sources
Oct 25, 2017 @ 05:06:11
Ed, where did your get your information from? You never spoke to me personally. I never said that. I was actually looking forward to meeting and speaking with all of you.
Oct 25, 2017 @ 17:00:43
Ed, you tell Mr Phillips to check his facts yet you didn’t check yours. Upon being “told” I didn’t want any of you there, someone from the city should’ve reached out to me and confirmed this firsthand. Several people have my number, including the mayor and city administrator. I purposely requested this to be a public event so that everyone could attend, because my husband deserves a proper tribute and my family deserves the support.
Oct 25, 2017 @ 08:02:22
A group of us were going to go and honor this brave offier and support the family, but we were told that the chief of police came over and stated that the Widow did not want anyone from the city got the memorial.
I’m so tired of politicians and heads of departments lying to everyone!
Louise, I am truly sorry for your loss and I wish we would have shown up. I have a feeling the person that is just about to retire is lying through his teeth.
Oct 25, 2017 @ 15:54:02
Janice, thank you for the kind words and honesty. This truly shed some light on things. It touches me to know not everyone in the city is completely heartless and that my family does have some support out there because I’ve been shown quite the opposite. Thank you for having the courage to speak out.
Oct 25, 2017 @ 17:48:04
I’ve been a part of the Rialto community for almost 20 years and I have never seen the city, especially the police department, in such shambles. There are no leaders in this city! We have a bunch of selfish liars who don’t care about the city they serve/represent and only care about their own agendas. The sign of a true leader is doing what is best for the agency and city. Randy DeAnda has been lying to everyone! He lies to his employees, he lies to the city administration and it seems as though he has lied to Mrs. Carrera. What is he so afraid of that he has to continually lie to everyone? What is he covering up? And why isn’t the city, including Council Member Scott, holding him accountable for his actions? Where there is smoke, there is fire. There is a raging brush fire in Rialto and the city “leaders” are standing by, watching the city burn down! Thank you to Mr Phillips for attempting to spread the word but the citizens need to demand change from our city council! I’m sick and tired of what DeAnda has been able to get away with! He’s opened the city (actually the taxpayers) to what could be massive liabilities. He’s racked up more lawsuits and legal fees in his not quite two-year tenure than any other chief! The citizens should educate themselves (all available online through their warrant reports, council minutes, etc.) before the city ends up bankrupt due to the actions of DeAnda.
To Mrs. Carrera, I remember when your husband was killed. My family remembers his sacrifice and we continually pray for your family. Your loss is not forgotten by the citizens of this community. There really aren’t any words that can express our gratitude and I’m not sure if there is anything we can say to ease your pain. But please know, your husband and the father of your children will always have a special place in our hearts. He touched many lives, probably more than you’ll ever know, and he made a positive difference in our community.
Oct 25, 2017 @ 20:24:17
Nanette, I appreciate you for speaking out. The show of support I’ve received in some of these comments mean more to me and my family than I know how to express. Thank you too for the heartfelt message to me and my family. Your words will be one of hopefully many building blocks to help restore my faith in this community that my husband was so proud to serve.
Oct 27, 2017 @ 20:37:32
I’ve lived in Rialto more than 20 years, and this DeAnda is one of the worst I’ve seen in Rialto. I agree about the City Council I see it’s been infiltrated with bad blood. We must hold them accountable, and vote them out, and require a fair election process. Because I suspect some shady moves. Louise Carrera I’m so sorry about your loss, but your husband was a true hero to us in the City of Rialto.
Oct 30, 2017 @ 01:04:46
Geraldine, thank you for your kind words and candor. It touches my heart to know that the citizens of Rialto hold my husband in such high regard and are willing to stand up for him and his family.
Oct 30, 2017 @ 01:35:56
Louise, do you know who told city employees you didn’t want them to attend? I am absolutely disgusted and whoever did this needs to be held accountable!
Oct 30, 2017 @ 03:43:03
Janice, I wish I knew the answer to that and agree that they should be held accountable. I don’t want to make any assumptions or blind accusations. Perhaps Ed Scott would be able to answer that question? Thank you again for having my back.