Funeral held for slain Riverside police officer

Several thousand people filled a Riverside church to pay their respects to slain police officer Ryan Bonaminio. The 27-year old officer and Iraq war veteran was killed while chasing down a suspected truck thief just over a week ago.

About 2,000 thousand people filled Grove Community Church, including hundreds of uniformed law enforcement and military personal. Hundreds more watched the memorial on a large video screen outside the church.

“Ryan has taught us how to live,” said Riverside police Chief Sergio Diaz during one of many eulogies.

“Today we bury Ryan’s physical body, tomorrow we take the mourning bands of our badges and we get on with our work. And it’ll be a shame on us if we pass on the opportunity to be inspired by Ryan’s example and that of out other RPD heroes.”

Bonaminio was born and raised in Riverside and joined the police department four years ago after a stint in the U.S. Army. He served two combat tours in Iraq.

Retired Marine Sergeant-Major Henry David taught Bonaminio in the ROTC at Ramona High School. David told mourners that he’d invited Bonaminio to speak to his current class just days before Bonaminio was gunned down.

“He said I would love to do that,” said Henry choking back tears.

“And, tomorrow was supposed to be the day he was gonna be in my classroom. I will always remember this young man in my heart for ever and ever. You lose a comrade and it’s like losing a piece of your heart, like losing a piece of a puzzle, and sometime its hard to put back.”

Audio slideshow of Bonaminio's memorial service.
U.S. Army sergeant Doug Spencer served with Bonaminio in Iraq. He said they formed a pact to protect one another on the battlefield, and when they returned home.

“To the Bonamino family who received a call they prayed would never come; we can never make that hurt go away,” said Spencer speaking directly to the slain officer’s family.

“But I hope for only a brief instant today that the burden might be lightened by the love that people have for Ryan. Today Ryan you don’t salute this nation, the nation salutes you. I love you Ryan. God bless.”

A military and police honor guard escorted Bonaminio’s casket to Riverside National Cemetery where he was laid to rest will full military honors.

Prosecutors charged a career criminal with Bonaminio’s murder. Earl Ellis Green faces first degree murder and other charges, with special circumstance allegations that could bring the death penalty. He is scheduled to be arraigned next month after a mental evaluation requested by his court appointed attorneys.