Officer Down Memorial Page

I remember hearing about this tragic incident within the hour after it happened. It was breaking news on the television and the only immediate information that they had was a downed chopper with at least one deputy with critical injuries and a major grass fire that was related to the crash. Then, it wasn't long before they reported the very worst. Though, I didn't know these deputies it touched me very deep for some reason. Days later, during the televised funeral services - I fought back my tears really hard. Then, when Kevin's sister explained how every time she would get into a friend's car - Kevin would say "be careful . . you have precious cargo on board". She then expressed how it was her turn to say those words to god. I gotta tell ya, me and my wife just totally lost it at that point. I mean, I can't remember the last time that I cried so hard! It was a very clever and an extremely sweet gesture that will stick with me forever. I felt so sorry for her because of her exceptionally shattered heart. I hope that her and the rest of the Blount family's pain has been somewhat reduced and replaced with a sense of pride for Kevin's accomplishments over the passing years. In the 1970's I spent alot of time at the Oakland International Airport where my grandmother was employed when I was a kid. I was fortunate at getting to know the helecopter pilots for O.P.D. They also made the same sacrafice one night when their chopper crashed while attempting to locate a suspect in the Fruitvale district. It traumatized me at the time because I grew pretty close to them. I'm sure this is why I had exceptional feelings for Kevin and Joe. My most deepest sympathy for both families and I wish them all well.

M. Gonsalves / Hayward, Ca.
June 5th, 2014
June 6, 2014

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