Thanks to Riverside Ward 5 Councilman Chris MacArthur for his well-wishes for the health of our publisher.

HUGO CHAVEZ DEATH

With the death of Communist Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, the big interrogation will be how his successor(s) will handle the country's relationship with the U.S. Venezuela, under Chavez, has been supporting the Cuban regimen, exporting two-third of the gasoline consumed by the Caribbean Island. With Fidel aging and very sick, and Raul having no charisma at all, this event could be the beginning of the end of the Communist domination in Cuba. Will the Army respect the Constitution?

Forget yesterday - it has already forgotten you. Don't sweat tomorrow - you haven't even met. Instead, open your eyes and your heart to a truly precious gift - today. Steve Maraboli

You know, life fractures us all into little pieces. It harms us, but it's how we glue those fractures back together that make us stronger. Carrie Jones

OFFICER CRAIN'S PARTNER RECOVERING

RPD Lt. Guy Thousand has identified the officer injured who was in the patrol car when him and his trainer Michael Crain were ambushed by Christopher Dorner.

The injured officer is Andrew Tachias. Andrew was born in 1985 in West Covina. He attended the University of California, Riverside where he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree. While at UCR, he served as a Community Service Officer.

In September 2009, Andrew was hired by the Inglewood Police Department and later attended the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Academy as a Police Officer Trainee. Andrew graduated from the Academy in February 2010 and was assigned to patrol. He lateral led to the Riverside Police Department and was sworn in as a police officer on December 21, 2012. He is assigned to Field Operations, Patrol Division for Field Training.

Officer Tachias is in stable condition at a local hospital recovering from his injuries.

ANOTHER FALLEN HERO

Deputy Sheriff Jeremiah MacKay mastered
bagpipes. He played during the funeral
services of Officer Ryan Bonaminio.

Around the cabin in Big Bear where Christopher Dorner was hidden, a gun fight took place between him and San Bernardino County Deputy Sheriffs. Detective Jeremiah Mac Kay, 35, and Deputy Alan Collins were hit. Both were translated to Loma Linda Hospital, where Mac Kay was pronounced dead, and Collins is going through several surgeries. Two weeks ago, his wife gave him a boy.

Ironically, Mac Kay told an AP reporter early in the day:

“This one you just never know if the guy’s going to pop out, or where he’s going to pop out,” Mac Kay said. “We’re hoping this comes to a close without more casualties. The best thing would be for him to give up.” Mac Kay was 15 years with the force. He loved music and sang too. He was very savvy in computers. He cared very much for children, investigating those who were charged of abuse.

Our communities are mourning the death of the heroes, who gave their lives to protect us. We pray for the fast recovery of those who were injured.

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Slain RPD Officer Michael Crain, 34.

Riverside Police Lieutenant Guy Toussaint sent to The Truth a biography of Officer Michael Crain, 34, who was killed on Magnolia and Arlington, Riverside.

Born: April 9, 1978
Hire Date: August 24, 2001 - End of Watch: February 7, 2013


 
OFFICER MICHAEL CRAIN

Officer Michael Crain was born in Anaheim, California to Stephen and Cindy Crain on April 9, 1978. He was the oldest of three children and had a brother, Jason, and sister, Leslie. He was raised in the Riverside area and graduated from Redlands High School in 1996.

After high school, Mike attended Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa for a year prior to enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He served two deployment tours in Kuwait as a rifleman in the 15^th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 3^rd Battalion 1^st Marines. He was a squad leader, and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He was then stationed at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, CA, where he taught Military Operations in Urban Terrain. During his military service, Mike was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 1 star, a Certificate of Commendation, and the Rifle Marksmanship Badge.

 After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, Mike joined the Riverside Police Department. He graduated from the Riverside Sheriff’s Academy, class #152, and was sworn in as a Riverside Police Officer on August 24, 2001.

Following his graduation from the Field Training Program, he was assigned to Field Operations as a patrol officer. During his 11 year tenure with the Riverside Police Department, Mike served as a patrol officer, and was assigned to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team. He had also served as a Helicopter Observer, a Field Training Officer, a Firearms Instructor, and had been assigned to the University Neighborhood Enhancement Team (UNET).

Mike had a big heart, and enjoyed spending time with his wife, Regina, son, Ian (age 10), and daughter Kaitlyn (age 4). He loved attending dance recitals with his daughter and coaching his son’s baseball team. He also loved his classic 1970 Chevy Nova, which he spent his spare time restoring. Mike’s family and friends knew his usually straight face hid a huge personality. He made an unforgettable impression on everyone he met.

During the early morning of February 7, 2013, Officer Michael Crain was gunned down in an apparent ambush while he was on patrol and parked at a stoplight with a trainee officer. Mike will be missed by his family, friends, and his community.

Officer Crain was killed in the line of duty on Thursday, February 7, 2013, when he and his partner were ambushed while on routine patrol. The second Officer was seriously wounded during the assault. Officer Crain was 34 years old and an 11 year veteran of the Riverside Police Department. He served two deployment tours in Kuwait as a rifleman in the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 3rd Battalion 1st Marines. Officer Crain leaves behind a wife and two children.