Chief of Police Raymond Garcia, Vernonia Police Department, Oregon

Chief of Police Raymond Garcia

Vernonia Police Department, Oregon

End of Watch Friday, October 1, 1971

Raymond Garcia

Chief Garcia was shot and killed while making a traffic stop at 1950 hours while returning to the police station at the end of his shift. When the vehicle stopped the 80-year-old driver exited the car and opened fire with a .22 caliber pistol. Although mortally wounded, Chief Garcia exited his patrol car and returned fire, killing the suspect. Chief Garcia was succumbed to his wounds while being transported to the hospital, which was over one hour away.

The Vernonia Police Department was a three-person agency at the time of Chief Garcia's murder. Chief Garcia was a Vietnam War veteran and had been with the agency for only three years. He was survived by his wife and 5-week-old daughter.

Bio

Age 26
Tour 3 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .22 caliber
Offender Shot and killed

Most Recent Reflection

View all 17 Reflections

I was a very close friend of Ray's brother Rick & Nina Garcia and learned of his brothers death. He gave his Life in Serving & Protecting the people of Vernonia over a senseless Act of Violence. He was Honored by a Memorial placed in the center of town so all could pay their respects to this great man who also served his country and Medal of Honor Recipient. Over the weekend at the Jamboree 8-6-2016 I noticed that the small minds of the City Council had Removed his Memorial and Stole the Slab to Replace it with one honoring those who have lost their lives fighting Domestic & Foreign Wars. I am not displeased with the Memorial for our Veterans, But to Steal the Slab that Ray's Memorial was on and replace it with the new one is Disgraceful. they could have spent $35 in concrete to build another one and Place the New Memorial next to his, But to Remove Ray's and either move it or destroy it is totally Unacceptable. As it has been in that place in the Center of Town for the people of Vernonia to Honor but also for those Tourists and Visitors to Honor is a Complete Disgrace and the City Council no longer deserves any Respect from those who Remember Chief Ray's dedication & Service to this community including of his Life.

Ret & Friend Rick Davis
Close friend of his Brother Rick & nina Garcia

August 10, 2016