Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Why did the Governor let the two criminals walk free? And the getaway driver...now you understand California is going down the drain...

Benji
A resident in MPK since 1990

June 11, 2023

When I was growing up a woman told me, whenever we passed Star Market, that her step-son drove the getaway car in a robbery there and that was why he was in prison. She and her son were horrified and she relived the horror every time we passed the market. I was a child so I never thought to ask who were the robbers. Who were the robbers and getaway driver in this shooting? I would know by the last name of any of the three individuals if he was the same person our family friend spoke about. It would help me resolve the conflict if I knew who the robbers were. It would not not detract from the sorrow and tragedy that occurred in this shooting. I could never pass Star Market without thinking of the robbery.

Starlene R Johnson
Childhood resident of Monterey Park

June 16, 2021

Rest in peace and know that you will never be forgotten for your sacrifice.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo (Retired)
Delaware State Police

June 9, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Elder.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 28, 2020

Real sad and the POS suspects are out of jail today and living their lives with their families. Thank you to the governor who let them out of prison.

Deputy Joe Delia
LASA

January 5, 2020

I’m sorry you were not here to be a part of my life. But I am proud of your sacrifice and will make sure you are never forgotten

28
Great-Grandaughter, Sophia Havard

April 22, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. You are honored and remembered on the 57th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

June 9, 2018

As a Monterey Park resident growing up visiting the park and knowing the history and respecting the Elder family and Chief Elder this is a very nice touch which the residents would have known more publicly, many of us would have shown our respect at the ceremony..... funny no one mentioned it yesterday when we were at City Hall for the Police Special Olympics relay:(

Larissa & Marie
MPK Resident 1960 to present

June 8, 2018

It was an honor today to be a part of the ceremony honoring Officer George Elder and unveiling the refurbished monument that recognizes his heroic and unselfish sacrifice in keeping our community safe. We were able to celebrate his life and ensure his family, who were present, that we will never forget him. He is our brother and will be that for eternity. Thanks to all those responsible for ensuring his monument is in great condition, especially Monterey Park Police Officers' Association President, Officer Troy Grant and Chris Reyes and Rudy Valenzuela from our MPK Public Works Department. By City Council Resolution, tomorrow, June 9 is "Police Officer George E. Elder Day" in Monterey Park.

God Bless Officer George Elder and the Elder family. Your Monterey Park PD family will always be here for you.

Chief Jim Smith
Monterey Park Police Department

June 8, 2018

OFFICER GEORGE ELDER WILL BE HONORED THIS FRIDAY JUNE 8, 2018 ON THE EVE OF 57 YEARS SINCE HIS PASSING. OFFICER ELDER'S MONUMENT AT GEORGE ELDER PARK IS BEING REJUVENIZED A BIT FOR THIS OCCASION.
ALL ARE INVITEED AT 11 AM.

Troy Grant
PRESIDENT OF THE MONTEREY PARK POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

June 5, 2018

TO ALL,

WE , THE MEMBERS OF THE MONTEREY PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT, TODAY- HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN OUR OFFICER GEORGE ELDER AND HIS HEROICS AND SACRIFICE SO MANY YEARS AGO...NOR HAVE WE FORGOTTEN HIS FAMILY, OUR EXTENDED FAMILY.

Troy Grant
PRESIDENT OF THE MONTEREY PARK POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

June 1, 2018

Dear Officer Petre,
My sister and I came across this site and thank you for your kind words. This means a lot to our family.

Debbie & Karen Elder

George Elder
Daughter

May 5, 2018

Officer Elder...RIP; I patrol the park that bears your name;
Patrick Petre Monterey Park PD Reserve Officer #2519

Reserve Officer Patrick Petre
Monterey Park

April 27, 2018

I never met Officer George Elder, but sadly, the shooting that took place from the Star Market Robbery ended on my front yard. I lived on S. Alhambra two houses from the market. My dad had told me that after Officer Elder was shot, he placed a blanket over him. I never forgot the story that my dad told me. Throughout my own career, I always remembered Officer Elder's sacrifice, and how he protected my family and our community. May God always bless your soul. Thank you for your service Officer Elder. ---For the policeman does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. The policeman is sent by God to help you. ROMANS 13:3-4 Catholic Living Bible.

Retired Sergeant David Dattola
South Gate Police Department

November 10, 2017

June 9, 1961 is an unforgettable date in my life. I lost a respected associate and role model, the family lost a loving member and the country lost a police officer and veteran paratrooper. The newspapers quoted Donne 'NO MAN IS AN ISLAND' and 'FOR WHOM EVER THE BELLS TOLLS'. I knew George as a fun loving, hard charging, honest, patriotic, family man and a dedicated police officer. My heart bled for his young wife and three young babies. I grieved with his three younger brothers, all in police work who over the years I learned to love and respect. George was one of my training officers, I used George as a role model through my 30 year LE career. George was pro-active, aggressive, fair and left no rocks unturned. When they fired the seven gun salute at his service, I stood next to my wife to be, we felt each volley. We felt the love, the respect and the hurt from the deep loss to his family, friends and many associates. God Bless his soul.

Charles J Carter
DEA, MPPD 60-68

June 19, 2017

It is now Friday, June 9, 2017, 56 years since that fateful night that changed our families' lives forever. The ripples from your untimely death continue flowing outward and will extend until the end of time. We miss you very much dear brother and you will always be in our thoughts and hearts; and so until we meet again on the other side, rest in peace.

Jon David Elder, Retired chief
Monterey Park PD, brother

June 9, 2017

At a young age, my dad told me the story of how he heard the gun shots and ran into the alley where officer Elder was shot and killed evidentaly behind or near the "liquor store" as I recall, and where the incident took place. My dad said that he tried to help officer Elder with his injuries and it left a lasting impression on him to which he became a cop not long after.

God bless officer Elder for his heroism and God bless officer Elder's family.

-Anonymous
LASD

January 31, 2017

I grew up in Monterey Park during the '50's and '60's and remember well going into the police station as it existed then. The reception area was very small and there was a window there for the dispatcher to speak with the citizens.

I'd look up and see the picture of Officer Elder there on his motorcycle with the inscription, "...murdered by bandits..." I've always remembered that picture and Officer Elder and was fortunate enough to visit MPPD again one day on a fugitive trip.

The MPPD station had changed and grown tremendously and I did not see Officer Elder's picture. When I asked where it was, a sergeant was kind enough to walk me upstairs and there it was on the wall of the council chamber (I believe).

Officer Elder was still so young and full of enthusiasm and still on that Harley; I had grown old. God rest your soul, George; you were an inspiration to me as a child to be come a police officer and Adam-12 only confirmed it.

Captain Jay O. Coons, Ph.D.
Harris County (TX) Sheriff's Office

November 11, 2016

Although a lot of time has passed, you are not forgotten. I am a recruit in the Los Angeles Sheriffs academy class 413 and I will still remember you. God bless your family.

Recruit Lam
Monterey Park Police Department

April 18, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 9, 2015

I recently received a piece of old Disney memorabilia in an antique shop in Washington. I decided to research the name on the paper. My research led me to this. The name was that of the youngest member of the three involved in the crime. So see Officer Elder's picture and make the connection is a compelling and reflective moment for me. These little things lead us to honor those we didn't know, who made the sacrifice.

J. Matthew P.

May 12, 2013

I only moved into Monterey Park in the 1980's, but everyday I walk thru the park that bears your name and see the dedication plaque. You made the ultimate sacrifice, paid the highest price, so that we can all be safe in our own neighborhood. Thank you, Officer Elder; God called you home much too soon.

Jerry L
Monterey Park resident

April 19, 2013

To each of you I thank you from my heart. Your stories of how you were touched mean so very much to me.

My God keep you close to his heart each day.

Sincerely,

Debbie Elder-Ochoa
Daughter of George .E. Elder

P.s Sandra I remember your dad, and lots of stories from the day. I am glad to hear from you.

Daughter, Debbie Elder-Ochoa
Daughter

January 28, 2013

It seems like only yesterday that we laughed and loved and commited ourselves to our chosen profession of law enforcement. June 9, 1961 changed our families' lives forever. I have thought of you so very often during the past 51 years. I still see your big white smile and remember your unselfish heart. I miss you dear brother and I know that we will meet again in a far better place.

Retired Police Chief
Monterey Park, CA brother

July 28, 2012

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 51rst anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace

I pray for solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

June 10, 2012