Mendocino County Sheriff's Office, California
End of Watch Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Add to My HeroesRicky Paul Del Fiorentino
Deputy Sheriff Ricky Del Fiorentino was shot and killed while searching for a subject who had abducted two people in Oregon earlier in the day and then shot at a store owner near Leggett, California.
Officers from multiple agencies were searching the area when Deputy Del Fiorentino came across the subject's car on a dirt road in the town of Cleone, near MacKerricher State Park. The subject opened fire on Deputy Del Fiorentino from ambush, firing multiple rounds and fatally wounding him before he had a chance to exit his vehicle.
A Fort Bragg police officer who was nearby and heard the gunfire responded to the scene to discover the subject going through Deputy Del Fiorentino's patrol car. The officer exchanged shots with the subject and struck him in the leg, causing a fatal wound.
Deputy Del Fiorentino had served with the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office and Fort Bragg Police Department for a total 26 years.
Bio
- Age 48
- Tour 26 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 239 ReflectionsIn 1994, as 20 year old aspiring cop, I went on a ride-along with then Fort Bragg Police Officer Del Fiorentino. He took me into his home for dinner with his wife and children. I remember being embarrassed when I commented on how good the chicken was, only to learn it was cornish game hen!
The way he dealt with people that night (including me) left a lasting impression on my career, even 26 years later. Although I only spent one shift with Officer Del Fiorentino, I know him to have been a good and kind soul.
Rest in Peace,
David Marshall Asst. Chief Investigator
Yolo Co. DA
September 17, 2020
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