Family, friends and officers of the Baldwin Park Police Department gathered in the Toyota Arena in Ontario Thursday morning to honor fallen Officer Samuel Riveros. 

Several speakers recalled memories with Riveros, highlighting his dedication to his community as an officer and to his family.

Riveros, 35, a nine-year veteran of the department, was shot and killed on May 31 while responding to a home after receiving reports of a man with a rifle. Also killed that day was  43-year-old Darius Wong, a Hacienda Heights man and father of two.

Baldwin Park Police Chief Robert Lopez explained that Riveros' death was the first line-of-duty death in the department and he expressed his heartfelt condolences to his family. 

"There is nothing that I can say or do that can alleviate the sadness and pain in your hearts, but know that Sam truly loved you all," he said as he wiped away tears. "I want to express my sincere gratitude to you for supporting Sam, despite knowing the commitment he was going to undertake as being a police officer.

He continued by highlighting Riveros' accomplishments in the department, including being a member of the SWAT team and being a field training officer. He said he will always be remembered for his "infectious smile, his passion for knowledge, his big and kind heart, his snowboarding progress and his love for the other team in blue, the Los Angeles Dodgers."

Lopez also offered his condolences to Wong's family and said that he grieved their loss. 

Before leaving the stage, Lopez's last words to his fallen officer were, "Sam, with a heavy heart, your end of watch. Until we meet again."

Riveros' mother remembered him as a loving son who cared for everyone around him. She explained that she asked Riveros multiple times to reconsider his career choice, highlighting the dangers of law enforcement, but said it was his passion. 

She thanked the Baldwin Park community for their support and prayers. She said she finds comfort knowing she will be reunited with her "Sammy" one day. 

"Please don't let his memory be forgotten and the loss of his life be in vain," she said. 

Two people killed in Baldwin Park shooting 

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, officers responded to a home near the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue and Los Angeles Street. When Riveros and another officer found the suspect, he "immediately" opened fire on them. The two officers were shot during the incident, as well as the suspect. 

The officers and the suspect were taken to the hospital, where Riveros was later pronounced dead. A man was also found dead at the home with multiple gunshot wounds. The man was identified as 43-year-old Darius Wong, a Hacienda Heights man and father of two.

The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Eduardo Roberto Medina-Berumen, is facing two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder for allegedly firing at two other Baldwin Park police officers.

At his first court appearance, Medina-Berumen was ordered to remain in jail without bail until his arraignment on July 31.

During a news conference after the incident, Baldwin Park Police Chief Robert Lopez referred to Riveros as an "amazing guy."

"He answered a call of duty of shots fired to protect our residents in Baldwin Park," Lopez said. "He and his other officer responded and as is customary with any police officer, or any sheriff's deputy, they always respond and go into the fire."