Obituary: Officer Alex Del Rio

After nine years of dedicated service to the Hollywood Police Department, Officer Alex Del Rio died in a car accident on Nov. 22, 2008.

Amidst bouquets of red and white roses, and a slideshow of smiling pictures, each family member wore a button in remembrance of Del Rio at his funeral. Miriam Fernandez, Del Rio’s mother, was the first to speak.

“You always dreamed of being a police man,” M. Fernandez said. She was supported at the podium by two officers. “You met your many goals and dreams; you served us well; you cared so much that you gave your life to protect us from harm. You gave to others without expecting anything in return.”

Out of the hundreds of friends, family and fellow police officers who attended the funeral, four family members and the Chief of Police spoke. Officer Saul Fernandez, Del Rio’s uncle, shared aspects of their relationship.

“If Alex were here today, he would give you a great big hug and say—and would say, ‘I love you,’” S. Fernandez said. “He gave me that hug in front of anyone, and he would also call me ‘Tío,’ [which means] uncle.”

Chief Chadwick E. Wagner of the Hollywood Police Department reflected on Del Rio’s personality, regarding him as an upbeat person.

“You can’t find anyone who would say a negative thing about Alex, and more importantly, you would never hear Alex say a negative thing about anyone or anything,” Wagner said. “He was a positive person. Alex lived as a role model and a hero, and we’re all better people for knowing him.”

This sentiment, while also expressed through the other speakers, reverberated through the crowd as they nodded their heads, and wiped their eyes.

“I really mean this, from the bottom of my heart, I truly don’t have a bad memory of Alex—only good ones,” S. Fernandez stuttered through tears. “He was not perfect…but he was caring, and a loving human being, who loved his family and friends. Please, in remembrance of Alex today, hug each other, no matter how old, young, or tough you are. And say, ‘I love you Mom, Dad, or friend.’ That would bring a smile to Alex, and to your hearts.”

In an effort to maintain his demeanor, Wagner shifted from side to side as he spoke from behind the podium.

“This is for the entire Del Rio family, I say this from the bottom of my heart,” Wagner said, pausing to compose himself. “When Alex became a part of the Hollywood Police Department family, you became a part of our family… We can’t take Alex’s place, that’s for sure, but we’ll always be here for you, for whatever you need. That, I promise.”

After losing control of his Ford Victoria cruiser, Del Rio slammed rear-first into a tree, and the car burst into flames. A one-car accident, Del Rio died at the scene.
Police are looking for witnesses.