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# Officer’s untimely death a time to reflect
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/officers-untimely-death-a-time-to-reflect-editor/
- Published: 2005-05-31T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T07:12:59.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Pico, #archive-import

*By Oscar de la Torre Founder/director, Pico Youth & Family Center*

I had the opportunity to meet Ricardo Crocker and I am saddened by his untimely death. He visited the Pico Youth & Family Center to extend an invitation to our youth for SAT preparation services that were being offered at PAL. Rick was a true professional who exemplified the professionalism of police officers that understand the importance of public service and working with the community to accomplish common goals.

Through working with Rick I learned that he was kind hearted and respectful to all. I hope that his life and death helps us reflect on the need for non-violence and mutual respect in our community and in the world. My heart goes out to his family and friends. He was a true public servant.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 31, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/053105.pdf?ref=smdp.com)