Deputy Sheriff Edward Joseph Alva

Joe was an incredibly outgoing, charismatic police officer, and a very good friend. I knew him when he first worked district 1 in the City of Columbia, and I worked district 3. Our districts overlapped on Two Notch and we spent a great deal of time together both on the street and in our off time. When he decided to join Richland County, I stayed, having gotten the projects in my blood. That later came back to bite me, but Joe never abandoned his friends and helped me work through my own issues. I still think of him every Christmas. It was on that eve that God received him, and I have to guess that he took him in as a gift to those whose lives needed brightening. None of us are perfect, Joe wasn't perfect, but he gave alot to those around him in the way of happiness and brotherhood. I will never forget Joe Alva. His parents came to visit from Alaska and I thought they were fantastic people. Oddly these many years later I just happened to see this post from out of the blue. Oddly I say because in 3 days I will be driving my Jeep from Orange Park Florida where I now live, to Anchorage for a new position as an aircraft mechanic at Ted Stevens International. I hope to find his family there and honor his memory.

Tony Cicora
Former fellow officer and friend

September 7, 2020