Río Hondo College, With the Support of Río Hondo College Foundation, Seeks Community Backing to Complete Police and Fire Memorial
Posted on April 11, 2025 by Río Hondo College | Category: Homepage News,Press Releases
Help Us Honor the Bravery and Sacrifice of Our Fallen Heroes
(Whittier, Calif.) — Río Hondo College (RHC) Foundation is calling on alumni, residents and community partners to help complete a meaningful campus tribute to our first responders. The RHC Foundation Office has launched a fundraising effort to add a bronze firefighter statue to the existing Police & Fire Memorial—honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our community.
Located near the Administration of Justice Building, the memorial currently features a statue representing law enforcement. The addition of a firefighter statue will bring balance and completeness to the tribute, standing as a symbol of strength, sacrifice and unwavering dedication.
Río Hondo College has a proud legacy of training future first responders. The College’s Police Academy was established in 1964, followed by the Fire Academy in 1968. Between both programs, RHC trains and graduates approximately 200 students each year, many of whom go on to serve in law enforcement agencies and fire departments throughout the state. The memorial is not only a place of remembrance, but also a reflection of the College’s decades-long commitment to public safety.
Our goal is to raise $60,000. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we are proud to share that $20,000 has already been raised. Now, we are reaching out to the broader Río Hondo family and local community to help us cross the finish line.
“This memorial is more than just a structure—it’s a permanent reminder of the heroes who risked everything for the safety of others,” said Mark Yokoyama, dean of Administration of Justice and Fire Tech. “With your help, we can ensure that both our fallen police officers and firefighters are honored equally and remembered forever.”
A preview of the proposed firefighter statue design is included to give the community a glimpse of the honor we plan to bring to this space.
“The College has a long history supporting our public safety heroes and this memorial serves to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice,” said RHC Foundation Board President Max A. Ordonez. “We invite our community to join us in this meaningful effort by making a donation—every contribution brings us closer to completing this important tribute.”
You can make a difference. Whether you are a proud graduate, a local business owner or someone who believes in honoring our heroes, your support matters.
“The Police and Fire Memorial embodies our deep respect and gratitude for those who serve and protect,” said Superintendent/President Marilyn Flores, Ph.D. “By completing this tribute, we are not only honoring the lives lost but also educating future generations about the values of courage, duty and community service.”
Donate today at https://gorio.page/police-fire and be part of this legacy. Every dollar brings us closer to completing a memorial that will stand for generations as a symbol of courage and community spirit.
Let’s finish this tribute together. To learn more about Río Hondo College, please visit riohondo.edu.
